Report: Man leads officers in Charleston airport chase after argument about ‘Christmas present’

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A Mount Pleasant man was arrested after authorities say he led officers on a foot chase at the Charleston International Airport following an argument over a check-in item.

The Charleston County Aviation Authority arrested 66-year-old Jeffrey Brian Silva on Friday on a charge of public disorderly conduct.

He was released on a $257.50 bond.

Silva’s arrest stems from an incident that happened on Christmas Eve when officers responded to a screening table at the airport’s pre-check area for a disturbance. A report states that Silva became angry with a Transportation Security officer after he was told that an item would not be allowed on the flight.

Authorities say the suspect began shouting, “You’re going to take a Christmas present? I’m not a terrorist!”

Officers said Silva also started lunging at TSA personnel to the point he had to be held back by his wife.

According to the incident report, when Silva was removed from the checkpoint he started using profanity, was told to stop, then escorted to the curb where he continued to use profanity in the presence of several passengers saying, ”I’m going to miss Christmas because of these **** *******, ******* ********.”

Police said they told Silva again about his language and that it was unlawful to continue. The report states Silva then said, “Hell, you might even ******* shoot me.”

An officer said at that time he told Silva he was under arrest, and it was at that point that Silva ran from officers. Authorities reported that after a short foot chase Silva was taken into custody and transported to the Charleston County Detention Center.

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