I suppose this is the downside to open bars in a Sky Club (thanks to View from the Wing for flagging this)…
In this post:
A man’s dramatic arrest at Salt Lake City Airport lounge
This incident happened at around 8:30PM on June 8, 2025. 29-year-old Delta passenger Joseph Johnson was visiting the Sky Club at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), but wasn’t exactly on his best behavior. He was reportedly so intoxicated that he tried to steal another passenger’s backpack, valued at $4,000 (including the contents).
He was then kicked out of the Sky Club for his behavior. Once in the terminal, police tried to confront him. He was briefly compliant, but then tried to ram his luggage into officers, and even tried to grab a holstered gun from one of the police officers, yanking it so hard that the officer’s belt lifted up.
At this point, police officers forced him to the ground and restrained him, and he was taken to jail. He now faces charges of theft, disarming a police officer, public intoxication, and interfering with a peace officer.
One certainly wonders if he was so intoxicated before he entered the Sky Club, and if there was more than just alcohol involved.
Always keep an eye on your belongings in lounges
It’s not entirely clear if the bag that was stolen was unattended at the time that it was snatched, or if he just brazenly took it directly from someone. Regardless, this is a good reminder to always keep an eye on your bags in lounges.
It’s interesting, because we largely normalize the concept of leaving bags unattended in airport lounges, even though it’s not a best practice, for obvious reasons. Admittedly there are many factors at play here, and most people would probably act differently in an international first class lounge with a dozen guests, than a domestic credit card lounge with hundreds of guests.
Bottom line
A Delta passenger visiting the Sky Club was kicked out after stealing a bag from another guest. When confronted by police, he became aggressive and even tried to grab the officer’s gun. Goodness, airports and airplanes really bring out the worst in some people, eh? Talk about decidedly un-premium behavior!
They have cameras in most sky clubs!!
Ben, is OMAAT now essentially a gossip column? Wheres the quality, impartial trip reviews that we all enjoy?
Aaron Tan, don't read then. This is Ben's blog and he is free to publish whatever he wants. When you have your own blog you can do the same. I for one appreciate this kind of articles. Rude.
One of the things I appreciate in a Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge are lockers where I can store my items while I relax before my flight. Maybe someday US airlines might offer something like that in gun toting crime infested America?
Don't hold your breath (as you put on your protective vest ! )..
I wish America was even just 1/4 as polite/considerate/service oriented as the Japanese......
... lol
I always worry about someone taking my bags in lounges and trains especially on trains when on at the same time other end of the car. I always gagne my valuables in one backpack that I always carry. But it's heavy with all that camera gear. And annoying to carry it while just getting up to get coffee. Few lounges have lockers. I'm sure they won't be a thing until rampant theft occurs. It's just...
I always worry about someone taking my bags in lounges and trains especially on trains when on at the same time other end of the car. I always gagne my valuables in one backpack that I always carry. But it's heavy with all that camera gear. And annoying to carry it while just getting up to get coffee. Few lounges have lockers. I'm sure they won't be a thing until rampant theft occurs. It's just a matter of time until the smash and grab crowd learns how to do it without flying. I could think of many ways. Thankfully, that group is not the brightest.
Thankfully, that group is not the brightest. The would be victims like you I mean.
These thefts are part of a larger organized crime ring, and they are very smart. The dumb ones get caught, not the smart ones. The ones you really should be afraid.
Unless you flash around those camera gear, there are easier things to steal than taking a chance on heavy backpacks. Every 1 expensive equipment there is 50 more backpacks...
Thankfully, that group is not the brightest. The would be victims like you I mean.
These thefts are part of a larger organized crime ring, and they are very smart. The dumb ones get caught, not the smart ones. The ones you really should be afraid.
Unless you flash around those camera gear, there are easier things to steal than taking a chance on heavy backpacks. Every 1 expensive equipment there is 50 more backpacks with laundry and a lot of water and food. Maybe a cheap iPad. Not worth the risk.
Johnson?
Forced him to the floor, not the ground. Weren’t they indoors?
Gee, thanks to DL for 'dumping' him out in the terminal instead of calling the police right then ( if I understood this correctly).
And so much for the basic security precaution of leaving luggage unattended.
Crooks/scum are everywhere waiting for the opportunity. What better place than an airline lounge with possibly more 'affluent' prey leaving their bags unattended as they fight the crowds to the food n' booze ?
Sadly, it...
Gee, thanks to DL for 'dumping' him out in the terminal instead of calling the police right then ( if I understood this correctly).
And so much for the basic security precaution of leaving luggage unattended.
Crooks/scum are everywhere waiting for the opportunity. What better place than an airline lounge with possibly more 'affluent' prey leaving their bags unattended as they fight the crowds to the food n' booze ?
Sadly, it seems most ( US, at least) airlines have no provision for securing luggage which is a disservice especially for solo travelers.
Resisting arrest is always so utterly pointless, because by that stage you’re going to the police station with the officers whether you like it or not, and they’re permitted to use force to get you there if necessary. Resisting arrest, assaulting police officers, attempting to take an officer’s weapon… he’s in deep poo.
The perp is to blame.
I must disagree, however. Since when does any sane traveler leave their bags unattended anywhere?
I have struggled with bags on business trips without a partner. Gd bless the German ICE trains with huge restrooms with space for bags, also bless German trains with keyed lockers. (that would really be nice in a lounge)!
It’s very common in lounges. You plop your bags on the chair to keep your spot while going up to get food, drinks, etc. I was just in the FRA Senator Lounge last week and even the glorious Germans there were doing this.
@axck: I am floored that you had to explain this.
It might be common in your eyes. I travel quite a bit and would never do so in a domestic lounge. I might try for a moment in Germany or Swiss. The potential for crime is not limited to fellow travelers, staff is omnipresent and are likely not well paid.
It's pretty common in places like Japan or Thailand.
Dumbnato strikes again.
If sane passengers leave there bags unattended, then I've seen enormous insane passengers on a daily basis in airport lounges everywhere.
If one lesson takeaway here, the perp got caught. You don't get away from theft in SkyClubs.
Last time I struck a nerve on you abusing race cards as normal behavior.
Now this time you're blaming the victim?
It's your entitlement that blinds you to detail.
Not his finest hour I’m sure. Hopefully he gets the help he needs and is able to move on
Luckily for him I'm sure it's not hard to find other sober people in Utah
Ten years in jail and on a permanent No Fly List. As simple as that.