Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton stormed out of a Police interview after a reportedly heated confrontation with an American Airlines steward, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Mr. Horton, who heads the Ministry which controls the financing of the Bermuda Police Service, was aboard an incoming AA flight on Sunday evening when he attempted to make a last-minute trip to the toilet while the plane was making its final descent into the Island.

It is understood that the Minister was stopped by a steward who ordered him to sit down - a command which reportedly did not sit well with Mr. Horton, who then angrily asked “Do you know who I am?” before implying the steward's actions were racially motivated.

An angry spat ensued in full view of the plane's other passengers, which ended only when Mr. Horton eventually acceded to the steward's request and returned to his seat.

However, when the plane landed, the flight crew informed the Police of the incident and Mr. Horton was shepherded into the Airport's Police station to be questioned.

According to Police sources, Mr. Horton stood up before the interview was finished, stated that he did not have time to deal with “you pip squeaks” and promptly left the building, leaving his luggage behind.

Last night, however, Mr. Horton said he had been involved in an argument with a steward and had spoken with Airport Police on arrival in Bermuda but insisted the incident had been greatly exaggerated.

“As the Minister responsible for law and order and public safety, I am not pleased to see a simple misunderstanding blown out of all proportion,” he said.

“I would never be disruptive or behave in any fashion which would bring my office into disrepute. For the record, I did comply with the request by the steward. I did, however, offer a sharp retort when I perceived that his response to me was abrupt and inappropriate given the circumstances.

“It is not my wish to proceed any further with this matter but if I can offer one suggestion, it would be that persons who choose to serve the public must exercise professionalism and honesty above all whenever they come into contact with members of the public.

“I did present myself to the Airport Police Station as requested after the flight and my luggage was left behind because I was late for a function and decided to make a separate arrangement for its collection.”

Last night, Police media relations spokesman Dwayne Caines said that Police “were aware” of an incident which took place aboard an AA flight and were waiting until all the facts had been properly assembled before deciding how to proceed.

“It is important to state that no written statement has been taken from the complainant and we are awaiting confirmation from the carrier with how they want to proceed,” Mr. Caines said.

Mr. Caines was unwilling, however, to name Mr. Horton as individual involved in the incident.