An Australian Federal Police officer was left covered in blood on his face and neck after he was allegedly stabbed with a pen by a “disruptive” female Jetstar passenger.
A second officer was allegedly stabbed in the arm as they attempted to escort Amy-Lee Botefuhr, 34, from a newly landed plane, where it is alleged she failed to comply with safety instructions while flying from Sydney to Perth on Monday night. .
Footage released by AFP showed officers following a hooded figure off the plane before a fight broke out on the tarmac.
The Perth woman apparently stabbed the officers with a gun, which eventually fell out of their hands as they were subdued and then taken away.
The officer allegedly stabbed in the face and neck was later photographed in hospital covered in blood.
Botefuhr to face Perth The Magistrates Court was later charged on Tuesday with causing harm to a public official, obstructing a public official and failing to comply with safety instructions given by cabin crew.
Cabin crew called AFP officers on Monday night to meet the Jetstar plane as it arrived at Perth Airport to escort Botefuhr, who they alleged had disrupted the flight.
Police allege that Botefuhr attempted to walk away from officers as he disembarked.
A woman has been charged with stabbing an AFP officer (pictured) with a pen at Perth Airport on Monday night.
When the agents tried To restrain her, Botefuhr allegedly pulled away and struck an officer’s forearm with a pen hidden under his clothing.
Botefuhr allegedly hit a second officer in the face and neck with the pen when he tried to restrain her.
She was arrested and escorted off the track.
The injured officers were treated by paramedics.
One of them was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where he spent the night before being discharged on Tuesday morning.
AFP acting commander Murray Taylor said seeing an officer allegedly attacked for trying to carry out his responsibilities was reprehensible.
Images released by AFP show the Jetstar passenger fighting with the agents on the tarmac.
Finally, the woman was subdued and escorted off the track by AFP agents.
“While our members recognize that there is a certain element of risk in their role, the AFP will not tolerate any harm caused to members while carrying out their duties of keeping travellers, airlines and airport staff safe,” it said in a statement. statement released on Tuesday.
Commander Taylor also warned that any passenger who was violent or disruptive could expect repercussions.
“The AFP and its partners have zero tolerance for anti-social, violent or dangerous behavior towards passengers, staff or law enforcement at our airports, and we will take action against those who offend,” Commander Taylor said.
“Passengers expect to feel safe while traveling and should not have to witness intoxication, violence or bad behavior.”
Police quoted a Jetstar spokesperson as saying it was a requirement that passengers always follow crew instructions and comply with safety procedures, which included fastening seat belts for landing.
“We will never tolerate disruptive behavior on board our aircraft or within the terminal and appreciate the AFP’s continued assistance and support,” the Jetstar spokesperson said.
The AFP is urging people to call the airport surveillance hotline (131 237) if they see or hear anything unusual while traveling through Australia’s major airports.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jetstar for further comment.