Police remove pilot from airplane in Va.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., July 16 (UPI) -- Local police removed a pilot from an AirTran flight at an airport near Newport News, Va., in handcuffs, a spokesman for the airline says.

AirTran spokesman Christopher White said the pilot, whose identity was not reported, was removed from a Boeing 717 at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport Wednesday, the Newport News (Va.) Daily Press reported.

"We're aware of the incident," said White, who did not elaborate on the airplane arrest. "We brought in another captain to pilot the plane to Boston."

Records from the Newport News City Jail show an AirTran pilot identified as Michael Wayne Karnath was arrested on assault and battery charges, the Daily Press said.

Lauren Gaches, spokeswoman for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, said in a statement Wednesday's arrest was related to an unspecified problem at one of the airport's security checkpoints.

"TSA is aware of an incident that occurred at a checkpoint this morning with an AirTran employee and will work closely with local law enforcement during their investigation," Gaches said.