AVIATION RAGE - PRO-VAX Southwest Airlines: Pilot allegedly assaulted flight attendant at San Jose bar over mask dispute

The latest incident follows an uptick in violent behavior aboard airplanes during the pandemic.

SAN JOSE — A Southwest Airlines pilot was under investigation after allegedly assaulting another crew member at a San Jose hotel during a mask dispute, authorities said.

The employee was cited for assault and battery after an Oct. 18 confrontation over masks at the Doubletree Hotel, located at 2050 Gateway Place, according to San Jose police. The suspect is accused of assaulting another man “over the wearing or not wearing of masks,” officials said.

USA Today reported that the suspect is a Southwest Airlines pilot and the victim is a flight attendant.

Police said the case has been referred to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office for review. The pilot’s name was not released.

A Southwest spokesperson said that there was a “crew disagreement during an overnight trip” and the employee was placed on leave during the investigation.

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