Newly released bodycam footage shows a Southwest Airlines pilot being arrested and removed from a flight for allegedly attempting to fly while under the influence.

Newly released video captured the moment law enforcement accused a Southwest Airlines pilot of being under the influence in eastern Georgia before arresting him earlier this year.

On Jan. 15, officers arrested New Hampshire man David Allsop, 52, at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, accusing him of driving while intoxicated ahead of a Chicago-bound flight from Georgia, according to Fox 32 and CBS News.

Police body cam footage shows officers confronting the pilot and asking him when he last had a drink. He responded that it was the previous night.

"Like 10 hours ago at least," the pilot is seen telling the officer.

"Well, I can smell an odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage," the officer replied.

Allsop proceeds to explain that the scent is caused by a Rogue nicotine pouch that he spits out.

Police conduct sobriety test before arresting pilot

Police proceed to conduct a field sobriety test on the Air Force veteran, who is seen counting while walking in a straight line.

The officer tells Allsop that he exhibited strong signs of intoxication and asks if he's willing to test his blood alcohol content through a blood draw, to which Allsop declines.

"That's DUI Less Safe for the willful intention to operate a commercial aircraft," the officer said, referring to the Georgia statute that legally prohibits someone from operating a moving vehicle while under the influence.

"Seriously?" Allsop replies.

Video also shows police taking Allsop into custody.

Southwest Airlines told USA TODAY in January that an employee "has been removed from duty" that day, adding that "customers were accommodated on other flights, and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans. There's nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers."

Attorney faults officers for not following procedures

David Chaiken, Allsop's attorney, said the pilot has flown thousands of Southwest Airlines flights without incident for nearly 20 years.

"Captain Allsop is an American hero. He served his country for over a decade, flying combat missions andspecial operations missions for the U.S. Air Force," Chaiken said in a statement to USA TODAY.

He faulted the police officers for not conducting the sobriety test correctly and not following proper procedures, citing expert opinions.

"The recently released bodycam video confirms what should be obvious to anyone who watches it — Captain Allsop committed no crime," Chaiken said. "These procedures are in place for a reason, to prevent mistakes like this one."

Contributing: Taylor Ardrey

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Seriously?' Video shows Southwest pilot take sobriety test before DUI arrest

Reporting by Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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