Customs Line Assault With Deodorant Can: Indictment

A Newnan man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attacking a Customs and Border Protection officer working at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport earlier this month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

Jemel Broussard Harris, 38, arrived at the airport from the Dominican Republic on Nov. 15 and was required to go through customs, as all international passengers do. While in the inspection area, Harris allegedly began verbally abusing the officers working there. When officers told him he was free to go, he allegedly continued yelling and threw a deodorant can at an officer, prosecutors said.

Another officer approached Harris and told him to collect his belongings and go home. Harris allegedly struck this officer and pulled him over an inspection platform before he was arrested, according to prosecutors.

“Tragic events across the world remind us that security at airport inspection areas is critical, and customs officers need to fulfill this mission without attacks and assaults as alleged in this case,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn in a statement. “These kinds of disruptions create safety issues for both the officers and other travelers.”

Harris is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.