Mother Looking For Vanished Kids at Miami Airport Threw a Computer Monitor at Airline Employee. Police Say Kids Went to Restroom Without Telling Her.

She might be spending Christmas in jail. 

A woman was arrested after assaulting an airport employee at Miami International Airport by throwing a computer monitor at her. Camilia McMillie, 25, threw a fit when her children went missing at the check-in counter and started throwing whatever she could get her hands on—keyboards, boarding pass readers, computer monitors, and more. "She went into a panic mode," said a witness. "That's what happened." Here's what video footage of the bizarre incident showed.

1
Kids Walked Off

@ONLYinDADE/Twitter

McMillie was traveling from Alabama to New York City with a layover in Miami, Florida. She was at the check-in gate at Miami International Airport when she noticed her two children were no longer with her and, having no idea where they went, completely lost her temper. According to the arrest report, McMillie's two children, ages six and eight, had gone to the restroom without telling her.

2
Meltdown Mode

@ONLYinDADE/Twitter

Video footage shows McMillie losing control of herself and throwing things at the gate agents, tearing the boarding pass reader off the counter, and tossing keyboards around as her fellow passengers looked on in shock. "Once [McMillie] noticed the children were not with her, she became irate and began to scream, demanding the gate agent to find her children," said Miami-Dade Police.

3
Detained At the Airport

@ONLYinDADE/Twitter

At one point, the enraged mother ripped a computer monitor off the counter and threw it at the gate agent, bruising her shoulder. Her tantrum was cut short when US Customs and Border patrol agents detained her before releasing her to local police, who took her into custody.

4
Arrested and Charged

Miami-Dade Corrections

McMillie was charged with aggravated battery, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. It's estimated she caused $10,000 worth of damage to equipment and remains in custody. "Acts of violence against our team members are not tolerated by American Airlines, and we are working closely with law enforcement in their investigation," says American Airlines spokesperson Derek Walls.

5
Held On Bond

WSVN

McMillie appeared in court the following day (December 21). Judge Mindy S. Glazer viewed the videos of McMillie's meltdown and said, "You are arrested for aggravated battery." McMillie is being held on a $4,500 bond and is still in custody. "It is pretty violent. We're at the peak travel season, the airports are hectic and with an increase of violence," said a prosecutor.

6
Things You Should Never Do at the Check-in Desk

tsa agent checking id
everythingforall / Shutterstock

When it comes to traveling, the check-in desk can be a stressful and chaotic place. Whether you're checking in for a flight, a hotel, or a rental car, it's important to remember that certain behaviors are never acceptable.

Don't be rude or disrespectful to the staff: It's important to remember that the check-in staff are there to help you, not to cause problems. If you're having a difficult time, try to remain calm and be polite to the staff. Yelling, cursing, or being aggressive will only make things worse.

Don't try to cut in line: If there is a queue at the check-in desk, it's important to be patient and wait your turn. Trying to jump ahead of others or pushing your way to the front will only cause frustration and could lead to conflicts with other travelers.

Don't be unprepared: Before you approach the check-in desk, make sure that you have all of the necessary documents and identification ready. This includes your passport, boarding pass, and any other forms or documents that are required.

Don't try to bring prohibited items: There are certain items that are not allowed on planes, in hotels, or in rental cars. Familiarize yourself with these restrictions and make sure that you don't try to bring any prohibited items with you.

Don't be overly demanding: While it's understandable that you may have specific requests or needs, it's important to remember that the check-in staff are not there to cater to your every whim. If you have a request, try to be reasonable and understanding if it cannot be accommodated.

7
How to Reduce Holiday Travel Stress

A woman wearing a backpack while waiting to go through airport security
iStock / MesquitaFMS

Holiday travel can be stressful, especially when you're dealing with crowded airports, long lines, and unexpected delays. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious during the holiday travel rush, here are a few tips to help you calm your nerves:

Plan ahead: One of the best ways to reduce stress during holiday travel is to be prepared. Make sure that you have all of your documents and essentials ready to go, and try to arrive at the airport or train station with plenty of time to spare.

Take breaks: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's essential to take breaks and give yourself a chance to relax. Find a quiet spot to sit down, take some deep breaths, and try to clear your mind.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to increased stress and anxiety, so it's important to stay hydrated during your travels. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you and take regular sips throughout the day.

Practice mindfulness: Try to stay present in the moment and focus on your breath. This can help to calm your nerves and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Seek support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to seek help from others. Talk to a friend or family member, or consider speaking with a professional counselor or therapist.

Ferozan Mast
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience. Read more
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