PORTLAND, Ore. – A Salem man is facing consequences for a violent outburst at Portland International Airport (PDX) in 2017.
Anthony Wayne Tavoloni, Jr., 45, has been sentenced to three years’ probation, including three months of home detention, for assaulting two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Security Officers (TSO) at PDX.
According to court documents, on August 20, 2017, Tavoloni entered the airport, passed through the customer service and baggage claim areas, and made his way to the TSA checkpoint and screening zone leading to Concourses D and E.
When a TSO asked Tavoloni for his boarding pass and identification, he replied, “No.” The TSO asked for Tavoloni’s boarding pass a second time, to which he replied, “You really want to do this?” as he stepped toward the TSO.
Tavoloni then walked behind the TSO’s table, prompting the TSO to jump from her chair, back away from him, and yell, “Stop, Stop, Stop!” Tavoloni grabbed the TSO by her forearms and attempted to wrestle her to the ground.
Alerted, a number of passengers rushed to assist the TSO. Two passengers restrained Tavoloni, while others attempted to separate the TSO from his grip. With multiple TSOs now standing between Tavoloni and the victim, Tavoloni exclaimed “We’re about to have a bad day, do you really want to do this?” to which another TSO replied “No one needs to have a bad day.” Tavoloni then lunged at this TSO, striking him in the face with his hand.
Tavoloni was promptly wrestled to the ground and held until Port of Portland Police arrived.
Tavoloni previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting certain officers or employees in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1) on May 21, 2018.
This case was investigated by TSA and the FBI and prosecuted by John Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The exact criminal charges brought against Tavoloni were two counts of assaulting certain officers or employees in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1).
The sentencing date was not specified in the provided information.
The outcome of the case was three years’ probation, including three months of home detention.
Tavoloni is a resident of Salem, Oregon.
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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