Connecticut man has been arrested after exchanging words and punching a TSA screener at a security checkpoint at Indianapolis International Airport. According to a report from airport police, John A. Christina, 51, Simsbury, Conn., was charged with battery as a misdemeanor in connection with the incident about 2:50 p.m. Tuesday at the Concourse B checkpoint.
Christina, who could not be reached for comment today, was released from jail on $150 bond and scheduled in Marion Superior Court 10 on Dec. 13.
Jim Fotenos, spokesman for the Transportation Security Agency, said in an airport police report, "Our transportation security officers work on the front lines to protect the nation from a terrorist attack and physical violence against them is shameful. TSA will work with local authorities to see that appropriate action is taken."
Airport officials declined further comment while the incident is under investigation.
Similar security checkpoint incidents at other U.S. airports have drawn concern and protests the past two weeks since TSA instituted search and pat-down procedures that some fliers believe are too personal and intrusive.
It is not completely clear from the police report why Christina punched TSA agent Gregory J. Hutman, 28, Vandalia, Ohio.
The report does not indicate that Christina refused to be screened before entering the concourse and boarding an airplane. He had already stood and been scanned in a full-body advanced imaging machine before the incident.
After he stepped from the machine, the men talked, but full details of the exchange are not in the police report.
But it indicates that Christina said he has a history of medical issues, including two metal implants, a colostomy bag and a fused right wrist.
According to the report, as Christina stepped from the scanner, he asked Hutman a question, though the report doesn't provide details.
Hutman responded, according to the report, "He's not from the Indianapolis airport and was not familiar with the process you are talking about." The report doesn't explain further.
"After the conversation, Christina punched him with his right closed fist in the middle of his chest," the report said.
When Hutman asked why Christina hit him, Christina said, "I was only kidding with you," according to the report.
[With two metal implants and a colostomy bag, he would DEFINITELY receive the "love pats," even after going through the naked-body scanner.]
