DENVER—Two airline employees who came to the aid of a woman allegedly being assaulted at Denver International Airport are being honored for their actions.
Mark Adams and Kris Musil of Frontier Airlines are set to be presented with the Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Awards on Tuesday for thwarting the alleged assault. The men were on a ramp at the airport when they witnessed the attack, ran to the gate and assisted the 22-year-old woman, police said.
Noel Bertrand, a 26-year-old former Marine from Portland, has been charged with one count each of sexual assault and kidnapping in the case.
The family of the woman has said she had missed a connecting flight at the airport and was waiting for the next plane when she and Bertrand struck up a conversation at a restaurant.
They said Bertrand followed her out of the eatery, sat down beside her and tried to kiss her. When she refused, the man threw her to the floor and assaulted her, according to the family.
The family has said that at least three people the woman believed to be airport workers walked by during the assault and did nothing.
The Associated Press does not use the names of people who report being sexually assaulted unless they agree to be identified. The AP isn’t identifying the family members to protect the woman’s identity. Phone messages left by AP for the woman’s relatives on Tuesday weren’t immediately returned.
Police say other people saw the incident and telephoned for help without intervening but provided good witness information for investigators. Airport officials say airport workers responded appropriately.
Bertrand could face a sentence of up to 12 years in prison if convicted, but he would have to qualify for parole to be released and could end up imprisoned for life even after completing his term.
His public defender, Anna Salas, declined to comment.
Bertrand served in the Marines from 2003 to 2009 and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His next court appearance is July 14.
