TSA Apprehends Airline Employee At Dulles Airport

DULLES, Va. (WUSA) -- A United Airlines employee was taken into custody by Transportation Security Administration inspectors and Metropolitan Airport Authority Police on Tuesday morning. Officials say a TSA inspector who was doing random employee screening, noticed the employee didn't have a badge on in a location inside the airport past the security screening area, and as they tried to question him further about how he had been screened, he ran off. After a brief foot chase, and with the assistance of airport police, TSA officials took the man into custody and are questioning him.

In a statement released by TSA, officials said a TSA inspector noticed an airlines employee in uniform but without a badge in the "sterile side of the airport". The TSA Inspector asked the man to display his badge and the employee complied. During their conversation about whether the individual had been screened according to proper screening procedures, the airline employee fled on foot.

A spokesperson for United Airlines, when reached by phone Tuesday afternoon, could not confirm any details, but did send a statement issued by the airline that they were cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation.

Airport Officials tell 9NEWS NOW that charges are pending. We'll have more details on this incident as they become available.