A man who allegedly pushed his way past security officers at Los Angeles International Airport and was subdued with a Taser as dozens of passengers filmed the encounter on cell phones was charged Friday with resisting arrest.
Christian James Heinz, 21, of Danville, pleaded not guilty this afternoon at the Airport Branch Courthouse in Los Angeles to the felony charge, along with a misdemeanor count of avoiding airport screening.
He was arrested Wednesday inside Terminal 6 at LAX. Prosecutors said Heinz had a ticket for an Alaska Airlines flight, but pushed his way past security screeners and ran into the terminal.
Airport officials said Heinz was being uncooperative with security officers, then forced his way into the terminal. He made it to the area near Gate 66 before he was detained by airport police, who used a Taser to help subdue him.
Dozens of passengers — including “Austin Powers” actor Verne Troyer — recorded the encounter on their cell phones, and some posted the video online.
Heinz — whose bail was set at $25,000 — is due back in court June 19, when a date is scheduled to be set to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.
He faces up to 3 1/2 years behind bars if convicted, prosecutors said.
—City News Service