A 45-year-old woman, Selomit Velez-Rodriguez, was arrested following a violent incident at Orlando International Airport. The incident, captured on video, shows Velez-Rodriguez assaulting a Southwest Airlines employee and damaging computer monitors, reportedly due to missed flights. The video, shared by passenger Peyton Turbeville, depicts the incident as a sudden outburst of frustration, with Velez-Rodriguez yelling at employees and breaking monitors after being upset about flight cancellations and standby list issues.
According to the witness, Turbeville, Velez-Rodriguez claimed that she was trying to reach her destination to bury her brother, but the airline had not included her in the standby list for three flights. While the exact cause of her frustration remains unverified, the incident highlights tensions between passengers and airlines, particularly in high-stress environments like airports. The video shows Velez-Rodriguez kicking an employee and then proceeding to hit a Southwest desk monitor, which was followed by a series of profanity-laced outbursts.
Orlando Police responded to the incident at around 9:30 p.m., citing that Velez-Rodriguez had disrupted boarding and damaged a significant amount of equipment. She was arrested and charged with battery, criminal mischief, and resisting an officer without violence. Police stated that she attempted to pull away from officers during her arrest. Velez-Rodriguez was released on $5,000 bond and allowed to return home to Illinois.
The incident has sparked discussions about customer service and airline policies, with critics questioning whether airlines are doing enough to accommodate passengers during disruptions. The case also reflects broader concerns about airport security and the handling of volatile situations. While the incident is isolated, it underscores the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms and passenger support in the aviation industry.