Watts Apologetic Over Run-In With Policeman

Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. (R-Okla.), who supports tighter airport security after the Sept. 11 hijack attacks, is apologetic for yelling at a policeman who ticketed him for violating security rules at Oklahoma City’s airport, his office said Tuesday.

Watts, a member of the House Republican leadership, lost his temper, used the word “bomb” and stuffed the ticket under the officer’s badge during the altercation on Sept. 28 at Will Rogers World Airport, Watts’ spokesman, Greg McCarthy, said.

Watts was issued a $15 ticket for leaving his car unattended outside the terminal while helping his wife with luggage. The airport had posted no parking signs in the loading zone as part of a national clampdown on potential security threats.