DALLAS — A Florida resident has pleaded guilty to interfering with security personnel after assaulting a gate agent at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, according to a news release from the Northern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Keith Charles Owens, 53, was shown on security footage repeatedly punching an American Airlines gate agent in the head, according to the release. Owens admitted to the assault in plea papers.

The incident happened on Oct. 5, 2024, around 4:42 p.m., when Owens approached the gate agent at gate A36, explained he was late, and attempted to scan his boarding pass.

When the gate agent told Owens he was at the wrong gate, he cursed and walked away. The gate agent then radioed Owens’ correct gate, gate A35, to notify the agents that Owens appeared intoxicated.

The District Attorney’s office said Owens then walked onto the jet bridge without scanning his boarding pass and airline personnel had to remove him.

Moments later, Owens returned to gate A36, yelled at the gate agent, grabbed him and punched him repeatedly in the face and neck.

Both the gate agent and the personnel who help restrain Owens sustained minor injuries, according to the release.

Owens now faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

His sentencing is set for May 2, 2025.