Southwest pilot cited in California mask assault

A Southwest pilot is under investigation for allegedly assaulting a flight attendant at a California bar during an argument over wearing masks, authorities said. The pilot was cited for assault and battery over the Oct. 18 dispute at a hotel bar in San Jose. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the incident to determine whether criminal charges should be filed, San Jose police Sgt. Christian Camarillo said. The pilot’s name wasn’t released. The incident comes amid a surge in unruly airline passengers this year, who sometimes become violent. The hotel bar incident “involved a disagreement over mask wearing or masks,” Camarillo said, declining to provide more details. There was a “crew disagreement during an overnight trip,” and the pilot has been placed on leave while the incident is investigated, Southwest spokesperson Brandy King said. “We do not have information to provide regarding the context of the event, and we do not discuss personnel issues externally,” King said.<br/>