Southwest Airlines pilot arrested for DUI on plane at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested Wednesday for DUI, according to a Chatham County Jail booking.

David Allsop was arrested after Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport police boarded his Southwest Airlines flight and arrested him.

WTOC reached out to Southwest Airlines and received the following statement: “We’re aware of a situation involving an Employee on Flight 3772 this morning from Savannah. The Employee has been removed from duty. Customers were accommodated on other flights and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans. There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Employees and Customers.”

WTOC has learned police were tipped off by a member of the TSA.

A TSA spokesperson says Allsop smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated when going through the crew screening lane.

Passengers onboard say Allsop was able to make it onboard the Chicago bound flight before he was arrested.

WTOC spoke with a TSA spokesperson who said close ties with law enforcement helps agents prepare for a situation like this.

“TSA always asks passengers that if they see something that’s outside of the norm that they say something, report it to us or to local law enforcement. That’s exactly what happened in this instance in Savannah. One of our officers that was screening noticed something out of the norm with this individual and reported it to local law enforcement,” said Mark Howell, TSA spokesperson.

Jail records show Allsop posted a $3,500 bond and was released.

WTOC has reached out to Allsop, but he hasn’t responded. It’s unclear when his first court appearance will be.

Southwest says he’s been removed from duty.

Some passengers missed their connecting flight due to the delay.