‘Drunk’ pilot arrested in cockpit

A Delta Air Lines pilot was removed from a flight and arrested for suspected intoxication.

Gabriel Lyle Schroeder, 37, was detained at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in the US just before he was due to pilot a flight to San Diego.

Suspicions were raised when he slipped from a TSA security screening line for crew members after noticing extra checks were being made.

He was arrested aboard the plane and was reportedly in possession of a bottle of alcohol.

Police conducted two sobriety checks, the first of which allegedly proved positive for intoxication.

“The individual left the line, which drew suspicion,” airport spokesman Patrick Hogan told CNN.

“Delta’s alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation. Delta is cooperating with local authorities in their investigation,” a Delta statement said.

Passengers on the flight were forced to deplane after Schroeder’s arrest and the departure was slightly delayed, the airport said.

No charges have been brought yet as toxicology results are still pending.

(Travel Mole)