05:14 PM EST, 01/16/2025 (MT Newswires) -- A Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) pilot was removed from one of its jets and arrested in Savannah, Georgia, this week after allegedly boarding the aircraft under the influence of alcohol, authorities and the airline told MT Newswires on Thursday.

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office identified the pilot as David Paul Allsop, age 52 and residing in Bedford, New Hampshire, who was arrested for driving under the influence. Records show he was released on cash bond after being booked and photographed.

In a statement to MT Newswires, a Southwest ( LUV ) spokesperson said, "The employee involved in the situation on Flight 3772 Wednesday morning from Savannah has been removed from duty."

Passengers on the flight leaving Savannah, Georgia, and bound for Chicago were able to board other flights to reach their destinations, the spokesperson said. "We apologize for the disruption to their travel plans. There's nothing more important to Southwest ( LUV ) than the safety of our employees and customers."

Southwest ( LUV ) did not provide the name of the suspect or other details of the arrest, but several media outlets, including CBS News and The Boston Globe, reported police removed him from a Southwest ( LUV ) flight shortly before takeoff around 7 am on Wednesday and with passengers already onboard.

Southwest ( LUV ) shares closed roughly 2% lower on Thursday.