Man causing disturbance in plane at Key West Airport arrested

A 32-year-old homeless man was arrested Sunday morning after causing a disturbance on a commercial airplane as it was preparing to leave Key West International Airport and spitting on a Silver Airways employee.

James Nicholas Irvin was charged with disorderly intoxication, disturbing the peace, battery on a law enforcement officer, battery and resisting arrest.

Deputies Vince Pacifico and Tamela Jensen responded followed by Sgt. David Fernandez. Deputy Pacifico was first to arrive to the plane still on the tarmac preparing for departure. Deputy Pacifico met with the crew who stated a passenger, identified as Irvin, was being removed from the flight for causing a disturbance and spitting on an employee’s face. Deputy Pacifico noted Irvin was obviously intoxicated and uncooperative.

Irvin dropped to the tarmac and refused to cooperate. Irvin then began twisting his body and began kicking. Deputy Pacifico was able to secure Irvin on the ground while Deputy Jensen arrived with a patrol vehicle. Irvin continued to twist, kick and resist Deputy Pacifico in view of airport passengers, arriving and departing crews as well as other airport employees thus interrupting normal airport operations.

Once inside a Sheriff’s Office vehicle, Irvin began banging his head on partition divider. Irvin was placed in a hobble restraint device while yelling and spitting at Deputies Pacifico and Jensen. It took both Deputies to overpower and restrain Irvin. He then spit on Deputy Pacifico’s face. Irvin made stated he was a Marine Corps veteran and that he had the coronavirus.

Sgt. Fernandez arrived and assisted in transporting Irvin first to Lower Keys Medical Center. Sgt. Fernandez found a small glass pipe in Irvin’s possession with marijuana residue.

Irvin changed his story and said he lied about having the coronavirus. Irwin was medically cleared at the hospital.

Irvin was booked into jail.

Irvin had just been released from jail on March 11 after being arrested by Key West Police Department Officers on Feb. 2 for burglary and resisting arrest.

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