Former mayrland fire captain punches airline worker over cancelled flight at washington dulles

Former Mayrland Fire Captain Punches Airline Worker Over Cancelled Flight at Washington Dulles

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1 min read
March 16, 2025

DULLES, Va. — A Maryland man was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport after allegedly assaulting a United Airlines gate agent when his travel plans were disrupted.

Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, of Frederick, attempted to walk onto the jet bridge at Gate D12 on Thursday while arriving passengers were deboarding, authorities said. When an airline employee blocked his access, Crittenden allegedly punched the agent.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police arrested Crittenden and charged him with assault and disorderly conduct. The injured gate agent was transported to a local hospital, according to a TMZ report.

Crittenden, a former Montgomery County Fire Department captain, had reportedly become frustrated after his initial flight was canceled and a second flight was fully booked. He eventually secured a seat on a third flight.

United Airlines has permanently banned him from flying with the carrier.

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