Henrico man arrested after allegedly assaulting TSA officer in Maine

A 27-year-old Henrico County man was arrested May 8 after allegedly punching a federal Transportation Security Administration officer in the face at the Portland (Maine) International Jetport, according to a report from the Portland Press Herald.

William Barry allegedly punched the officer in what a TSA spokesman told the Press Herald was an “unprovoked attack” after he had presented the officer with a valid ID card at the jetport’s travel document check area Monday.

The officer concluded his normal shift, according to the paper, and then sought medical care. He complained of a swollen and sore jaw but was otherwise fine, the paper reported.

"Unprovoked and brazen physical attacks against our TSO's is unacceptable,” said TSA New England spokesman Daniel Velez in a statement to the Press Herald. “We are grateful for our committed workforce and for the role they play in protecting the traveling public every day.”

Physical violence, verbal abuse or threats against any TSA employees can result in fines of nearly $15,000 and criminal penalties.

There was no information about why Barry allegedly threw a punch.