By MELISSA CABRAL<\/p>\n
An American Airlines co-pilot was detained at Detroit Metropolitan Airport early Saturday morning on suspicion of being drunk, an airport spokesman confirmed.<\/p>\n
Airport police came to the North Terminal after passersby reported a pilot who appeared to be exhibiting signs of being drunk.<\/p>\n
According to airport spokesman Michael Conway, the co-pilot allegedly failed a Breathalyzer test administered by airport police.<\/p>\n
Following the incident, American Airlines canceled Flight 736 from Detroit to Philadelphia, leaving many passengers upset.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are re-accommodating our customers on other flights,\u201d American Airlines spokeswoman Laura Nedbal said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cSafety is our highest priority and we apologize to our customers for the disruption of their travel plans.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the co-pilot failed the initial Breathalyzer test, he was taken to a local police department for a more precise sobriety test. Both tests confirmed that he was over the legal limit for operating an aircraft, airport police said.<\/p>\n
American Airlines and authorities identified the co-pilot as John Maguire,\u00a0a resident of Pennsylvania born in 1965.<\/p>\n
The co-pilot was later released from custody after his alcohol level dropped to the legal limit, Conway said.<\/p>\n
Maria Miller, a spokeswoman for the Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney, confirms that Maguire has been charged with operating an aircraft under the influence. The charge is listed as a misdemeanor since he wasn’t operating the plane.<\/p>\n
“Although we do not often hear of pilots being allegedly intoxicated, the laws apply to everyone — whether one is on the roads or airways,” prosecutor Kym Worthy said.<\/p>\n
As of now, no federal charges have been filed, said Gina Balay, with the office of the U.S. Attorney for Michigan’s Eastern District.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By MELISSA CABRAL An American Airlines co-pilot was detained at Detroit Metropolitan Airport early Saturday morning on suspicion of being drunk, an airport spokesman confirmed. Airport police came to the North Terminal after passersby reported a pilot who appeared to … Continue reading