ORLANDO, Fla. —
Cell phone footage obtained by WESH 2 News on Friday captures the chaotic scene that unfolded at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter in Orlando International Airport on Tuesday night.
Edward Hariston, a 41-year-old Ohio resident, was arrested by the Orlando police for allegedly placing one of their officers in a chokehold.
Passenger Brenda Garrison expressed her fear, stating, “I was scared. And this was our first time flying.”
Marianne Capoverdi, another passenger, shared her astonishment, saying, “I have never witnessed anything like that before.”
The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. following numerous delays and eventual cancellation of flights.
Capoverdi explained, “Tensions were running high as we weren’t receiving much information.”
According to a police report, an officer noticed Hariston engaged in a heated argument, leaning over the ticket counter, while a woman accompanying him stood on top of the baggage scales, shouting.
The officer stated that Hariston then reached behind the counter, grabbed the keyboard, and began pressing buttons. In response, the officer seized Hariston’s arm.
“The passenger became extremely agitated and ultimately placed the officer you see in the video in a chokehold, taking him down to the ground. Within moments, additional officers arrived,” detailed Capoverdi. “It resembled a wrestling match.”
Hariston was subsequently transported to the hospital, sustaining injuries.
“He was certainly hurt after everything that occurred,” added Capoverdi.
Hariston appeared in court on Thursday, appearing in a wheelchair. Orlando Police indicated that they currently do not have additional information to disclose.
Hariston is currently detained in Orange County Jail and faces four charges, including attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and battery on a law enforcement officer.
Meanwhile, passengers are left feeling unsettled.
“It was truly terrifying. Really terrifying,” expressed Garrison.
A public defender was assigned to represent Hariston. WESH 2 News reached out to the public defender’s office on Friday, but they declined to comment.
WESH 2 News also attempted to contact Spirit Airlines on Thursday and Friday, but has not received a response.
