Southwest Pilot Fails Sobriety Test Before Takeoff: Bodycam Footage Released

Initial Encounter and Sobriety Concerns

• 👮 Officers approached a Southwest Airlines pilot, David Paul Allsop, before a scheduled takeoff due to suspected intoxication.
• 🍺 Allsop admitted to having "a few beers" (approximately three light beers) the previous night, stating it had been at least 10 hours since his last drink.
• 👃 Officers detected an odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage emanating from the pilot.

Field Sobriety Tests

• ❓ Allsop initially declined to provide a breathalyzer sample, stating "There's no need."
• 👁️ He agreed to follow the tip of a pen with his eyes only as part of the sobriety assessment.
• 🚶 For the heel-to-toe walking test, Allsop successfully completed 10 steps in one direction and 10 in the other on an inclined surface, counting out loud.
• 🦵 In the one-legged stand test, Allsop held the pose for 16 seconds while counting aloud.

Escalation and Legal Ramifications

• ⚖️ Despite completing the tests, officers noted strong signs of impairment and the persistent odor of alcohol.
• 🩸 Allsop was asked if he would agree to a blood draw to test his blood alcohol content, which he initially questioned.
• 🚨 The officer explained that refusing a blood draw after exhibiting symptoms would be considered DUI (Driving Under the Influence) less safe, especially for operating a commercial aircraft.
• ⛓️ Allsop was informed that if he refused the blood draw, he would be booked into the detention center on DUI charges.