Bush Airport deputy and off-duty pilot engaged in physical altercation in traffic lanes in Terminal B passenger drop-off area

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An off-duty pilot was manhandled and arrested Sunday after law enforcement said he refused to remove his car from the drop-off area at Bush Airport.

Nichollas Dreis, 65, is accused of assaulting a peace officer. He posted his $40,000 bond on Tuesday.

Law enforcement officials said Dreis was stopped in his car, blocking two traffic lanes in the Terminal B drop-off area.

They said a Harris County deputy working the area used his flashlight to get Dreis’ attention and tell him he needed to move.

According to authorities, Dreis and the deputy got into a physical altercation after telling him to move his car several times.

Dreis was tasered and handcuffed and arrested.

In his mugshot, he has a black eye and other injuries on his face.

Dreis had to spend the night in the hospital with a heart condition believed to have been caused by being shocked with a stun gun at “close range,” Chris Warren, his hired defense attorney, told ABC13.

“We are in the process of obtaining all video evidence,” Warren said in a statement. “He is a Navy Veteran and has been a pilot since 1987. There is a credible and independent witness to the beatings and coercion. We are collecting statements and will attempt to present our investigation to the Grand Jury.”

The sheriff’s office told ABC13 in a statement that the case is still under investigation.

“All use of force incidents are investigated by HCSO to ensure policies and procedures are followed,” a spokesperson for HCSO said in a statement. he said.

Court records show Dreis was a pilot for a company that flew private jets.

Dreis and his family made headlines around the world, including ABC13, in 2012 when the HOA in their Spring neighborhood sent them a letter demanding they remove their pet kangaroo named Mike.

The family said they plan to use it for vocational training for adults with disabilities. Their daughter, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, had also become close to Mike.

He will appear in court again on January 15.

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