We now know the name of the man seen grinning at the bottom of that pile at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport last week: McCleish “Mac” Christmas Benham.
According to the (redacted) police report just released by the airport, the 27-year-old from Shelbyville, Tenn., was charged with public intoxication and simple assault following the October 23 altercation in front of Gate C30. If convicted of the Class C misdemeanors, he’s looking at some small fines — up to $500 for each count — but no time behind bars. We have asked why he wasn’t charged with something more serious and will update if and when we hear back.
The report, written by Officer Derrick Niblett, contains a narrative that recounts what Andrew Kennedy captured on video. But it also provides some heretofore missing background on what led to the brawl.
The man seen being assaulted in the video told officers that he’d seen Benham “verbally assaulting a female American Airlines gate agent.” The man said he told Benham to calm down, that the police were on their way. At that point, the man told police, “Mr. Benham called him a ‘San Frisco Faggot’ and then punched him in his right eye.” He told police that Benham “then began threatening a different male passenger.” Again, he tried to get Benham to calm down. But, clearly, that didn’t work — because as Benham told another witness, he’d had a lot to drink. Specifically: “100 drinks.” Which may not be entirely accurate.
McCleish Christmas Benham
As for the assault itself, here is Niblett’s blow-by-blow:
On Thursday, October 23, 2014 at approximately 1825 hrs, Terminal C Officers D. Niblett #752 and R. Mister #772 were dispatched to the Terminal C, Gate C-30 area in reference to an intoxicated male subject. While en route to this call, Officers were informed via the radio that the intoxicated subject punched a passenger. As I approached the C-30 gate area, I could see a white male subject matching the description that was broadcasted. This subject was talking to an older white male. I then observed the subject in question kick the older white male in the groin and hit him on the top of his head with a closed fist. At this time a group of approximately three to five male passengers tackled the subject, knocking him to the floor.
I intervened to control the situation but the subject in question continued to struggle with me and the unidentified passengers while he was on the floor. Due to this subject being the obvious aggressor, I moved to place this subject under arrest for the assault that I observed. I was able to place a handcuff on the subject’s right wrist but he continued to struggle. Officer Mister arrived on scene and assisted with getting the subject’s left wrist cuffed. The subject continued to be belligerent as Officer Mister and I assisted him to his feet. As the subject was talking, I noticed his speech was slurred. I also noticed that he had glossy, blood shot eyes. The subject was deemed to be a danger to himself and others and was placed under arrest for Public Intoxication and Simple Assault.”
The officers transported Benham to airport jail.
As for the man whose left ankle sounded like it had been broken during the take-down, the report says he received medical treatment from paramedics and was able to board the plane.
Dallas/Fort Worth Brawl Police Report