This story happened a few years ago, but I think that it is still a good reminder of what to do (and what NOT to do) in a hotel room. Perhaps it should go without saying that just because you’re on a business or other trip, away from your “regular” surroundings, that the laws of nature, society and life still apply. I think that it goes without saying that you want to be extra careful when say, you’re walking around naked.
What happens in Denver…
United Airlines captain Andrew Collins was in the Westin hotel in Denver in September 2018 (I’m assuming the Westin Denver International Airport), talking on the phone, walking around naked with his curtains open, for 20 minutes. He apparently thought that nobody could see him because the windows were somewhat opaque.
How this story SHOULD have ended (had someone that saw him naked even cared enough to mention it): the hotel should have contacted him and said “Hey people can see you naked; put some clothes on” = the end
How it ACTUALLY ended – the police were called, they came in with guns drawn, and he was arrested for indecent exposure and put in an airport jail. Here’s the body cam footage from the Denver Post
UPDATE – Lawsuit settled
While I do think it’s prudent to be careful about walking around naked, clearly this response was over the top. A judge agreed, and dismissed the case back in March 2019. Collins sued the city and recently settled for $300,000. He also sued the Westin for letting the police in, and wants to donate some / all of his winnings to The Innocence Project, though he later dismissed that suit – if there was a settlement in that case, I wasn’t able to find details.
The Bottom Line
Just because you are “on vacation” or in somewhere other than your regular surroundings doesn’t mean that all laws and rules of society go out the window. So I do think that it’s probably a good idea to be careful about where and how you walk around naked. But clearly this was a response that was a bit over the top and unsubstantiated. Not to mention that this was back in 2018 even before the recent controversies regarding the appropriate role of police in the community.
What do you think should have happened in this situation? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as thepointsguy.com. This may impact how and where links appear on this site. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers and that compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners and I do not include all card companies, or all available card offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers and other offers and benefits listed on this page. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Other links on this page may also pay me a commission - as always, thanks for your support if you use them
User Generated Content Disclosure: Points With a Crew encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.
Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at 
The cops committed a terrorist attack by illegally entering a hotel room without cause. When someone rents a hotel room they have a right to be safe in the room. Indecent exposure (which is a capricious and arbitrary charge) does not warrant cops entering a room with guns drawn or even entering a room in the first place without permission of the guest. This doesn’t even take into account that whoever reported it could have made it up and there is no evidence aside from someone saying so that the guy was walking around naked. There was no criminal intent in his actions which means he committed no crime.
I wonder how cops will feel if citizens entered the homes of their daughters and wives and sisters and parents with guns drawn because someone said one was walking around visible to the public. How will cops feel if their daughters are naked when citizens enter their homes and handcuff them naked. I think they will be disgusted and should look in the mirror. The worship of the police by my fellow christians and conservatives is disheartening. The police are the enforcer of liberal laws.
Well thankfully the justice system agreed with you and the man won his lawsuit but it is unfortunate that it had to come to it and certainly he ended up “winning” at least in part because he was a white man who (I am making an assumption with limited facts) has money. A poor POC would likely not have had such a good experience in the end, unfortunately
That is possible but whites are more likely to be victims of police abuse and enforcement of liberal/neo conservative laws that violate fundamental freedoms. That is because whites commit a lot less crime than other groups and thus many more as a percentage are actually innocent of committing real crime. One reason conservatives unfortunately blindly support the police is because blacks and non white latinos commit a disproportionately high amount of violent crime. They see dangerous groups ruining neighborhoods and support the police not realizing the police are the cause of the former (enforcement of court orders relating to housing and hiring) and the cops are dangerous groups themselves who often act with aggression, malice and as enforcers of liberal laws.
Just plain Stupid
I am a retired UA flight attendant and reading this from France. I am deeply disgusted by how this was handled. I think that the US Police sometimes think that they are all mighty. You would not even imagine such a thing happening here. Our gendarmes have more serious things to do!
The hotel did not act professionally: they should have called the room and talked to the customer first. To the Westin and the management of the Marriott group: shame on you! Yes, the customer won his lawsuit. Good for him!
That Westin hotel is GARBAGE. Anyone who stays there is crazy. I simply used the bathroom in their lobby one time while I was waiting to check in. And I heard some people in above me laughing. It was someone watching me from the vent above. turns out it was security making sure I wasn’t doing anything “nefarious” And I have tattoos and stuff so I was literally profiled by them. I got the hell out of there and tried to report it to Denver pd but was told it would be too hard to prove. The Westin DIA needs to be investigated
The front desk should have called and said stay away from the windows !!
That officer is sniffing an awful lot; usually indicative of d*** use. Is that why he’s searching the room for a charge that doesn’t necessitate a serch??? Like WTH
That officer is sniffing an awful lot; usually indicative of d*** use. Is that why he’s searching the room for a charge that doesn’t necessitate a search??? Like WTH
I totally agree – sounds very suspicious to me.
The power-hungry police could have cost this individual his job with their garbage charges. They take NO thought for the consequences of their actions. As it is, they brought a lot of unnecessary pain, suffering and stress to this man’s life. Bullies with badges damaged his reputation. He didn’t realize anyone could see him, he committed no crime. Go fight real crime, ya schmucks. Haven’t ya heard that Denver is the 15th most dangerous place to live, yet law ennforcement are wasting time on situations like these instead of fighting crime that would actually make society a safer place?
Indecent exposure is a conservative law, not a liberal one. No smoking within 50 feet of a building entrance is an example of a liberal law. That said, the whole situation was pretty much a comedy of errors.
“Liberal laws?” You contradict yourself. Liberals are liberal with freedom and social justice for the masses. It’s a very conservative stance to control who you love, how to form a family, who you can kill with the gun of your choice, and inhibit your ability to walk around naked.
Staying at the Westin next month. Wonder if they will provide a warning about the windows.
I love how stupid American police are. Really shows you they really have nothing better to do.
This is what I wrote two minutes ago.
“Don’t stand by the window naked (like this airline pilot did).”
I fixed your title.
As they say, Only in America. $300,000, is that all? If I was the Pilot, I would have sued for reputation damages, Millions upon Million $$$$, and I would have demanded the cops resignation or demotion. Perhaps the cop could be demoted to the Health & Fitness arm of Denver Police. He is clearly obese and I would question his ability to perform his duties required. Is he fit to perform his duties? He was heavy breathing as it was during this random act of terrorism. What an absolute scandal. The United Pilot remained calm under pressure, said nothing, just took it all in with a smile on his face. United would be super proud knowing this is how one of their captains reacted under duress. And I do hope he sues the hell out of the Westin. Part of Marriott, go figure. And while they are at it, go on United, sue the mongrels. Last time they get any of my business. Stuff em.
I totally agree – I was amazed at how calm he remained. Obviously good pilot training on how to handle an “emergency”!
OMG, this would be hilarious … if it weren’t so sad. WTH were the hotel people thinking? WTH were the cops thinking? It’s not exactly a Cheap Charlie motel, with a nut-case guest. It was a Westin*. And not in some goofy little town in the bible belt*, it was in Denver. Forgive me for thinking that an upscale hotel(?) guest should have received a phone call or a knock on the door FIRST. I’m glad he got some compensation out of this whole incredibly dim-witted incident. And I hope that United removes any Westin from their list of crew hotels. That will be more painful than the pilot suing Westin.
* This is not an elitist view, it’s a realistic view, so don’t throw rocks at my head, OK?
I’ll admit this is a good story to bring up. I was walking around my hotel room naked yesterday thinking to myself can anyone actually see me and does it matter. This is useful unlike some of the posts you make about an airlines new type of pretzels they are offering, etc. People don’t want to read that junk.
I’m pretty sure you must have me confused with someone else as I don’t think I have literally ever posted something about an airlines new type of pretzels
Exhibit #27468 why we have far too many police in the USA. Only a sick and totalitarian society would allow these things to happen.
Hotel and People need to relax. I watched a nude man take something from his fridge in a high rise, while waiting at a traffic light. Big deal.
Although he was cleared legally, his arrest will always be on his record and public information. It could still cause him harm should anyone do a background check.
So quick to judge, people! Didn’t know KAREN’s existed back in 2018.
Too many people are ‘sensitive’ . Liberal/Conservative..none of that matters. Really, the WESTIN mishandled this. No reason why the police had to barge in guns blazing.
Why in God’s name is this 5 year old story being reposted now? Gotta get those clicks, huh?
I definitely agree that wether it be a staff member or another guest from the hotel someone could have easily gave him a friendly reminder to put some clothes on. Nowadays people are all to quick to call the police and in some cases it’s absolutely unnecessary.
Not sure why the police thought it was okay to enter his room and do a full search and inventory of his personal belongings. I feel we as a society are losing more and more of our rights and most people have no clue until unfortunately it happens to them.
I had my blinders taken off in my early 30’s due to a very tragic and unfortunate accident. This changed my whole life and who I viewed the world especially the justice system. Because of the injustice that my family and I were put through I don’t believe anyone of us will ever trust or have faith in our system as it stands today. I could sum it up as being thee one most horrifying situations in my life.
I liked it much better when I had shades on and life seemed fair and just now I know I can never go back to the injustices that were brought onto me and my family.
Absolutely ridiculous ! I will take Westin, Denver Westin for sure off our list to ever stay in! Dumb dumb dumb. I’m so angry watching this video! The police are super stupid and really unprofessional tossing his things apart. They could of been so much more professional and announcing what the hell was going on. Westin – FIRED off my list.
If I was the police when I walked in and saw his penis I would have yelled gun he’s got a gun and shot him
This us unbelievable..and makes Denver cops look like bad ass idiot’s. How about actually looking for bad guys. Glad he won the 300 k. Should of been more.
300000 is one years salary for this guy. Deserves more of a settlement. What was listed as the reason for his delayed / cancelled flight up on the board? Asking for a friend!
As long as he wasn’t involved in a sexual activity, he should be allowed to walk around in his temporary “private property”, however he likes. If you are offended, look away and grow up. It’s the human body ffs.
Lesson learned… I’m going to walk around naked in every hotel I stay in from now on in hopes of a huge payday in the end.
HaHaHa
Here is something I learned in my various dealings/extracurriculars with my local police department.
When inside a private dwelling, such as your home, a hotel room, etc. There is a reasonable expectation of privacy. In that, as long as you are not doing anything with malice (like touching yourself on purpose everytime a kid walks by and can see), there should be no problem.
In this case, I am baffled why the police were called and/or what was said to engage such a response.
I suppose the lesson here, is to just be careful, becausr there will always be that one person who will amplify everything.
A person can walk across our border. Doing so breaks 30 laws and none of the 5 million that have done this in the last 2 years have been arrested. What the “F” is wrong with this country? DEMOCRATS!!!
You are one sick, hater. Get a life and quit with the divisive rhetoric.
I believe Erin Andrews won $55 Million walking around naked in a Nashville hotel. So, they got off cheap. Too bad he didn’t sue the City of Denver for a $100 million. What sick demented psychopath watches people in hotel rooms. What are the police or was it the FBI aka the Fascist Bureau of Intimidators breaking into a hotel room when no crime was committed compared to queer naked sick drag queens exposing themselves to little children.
Back when I was growing up, in the previous century, there were such things as “peeping Tom” laws. Why wasn’t the person who called the cops charged for THAT crime?
Little Ironic for Dist. 5 . I called 911 last night to report suspicious activity and after listening to , ” all operators are busy ” 5 times , it took them like 2 hours to make an appearance by that time I could have been Stabbed, shot , or my vehicle Stolen . Next time they ,(he ) will be Naked .
Ridiculous I can’t believe this at all and they had no right to search his room for weapons etc. This is a dam shame glad he sued them crazy can’t walk around in your room naked give me a break wasn’t like he was in the window dancing naked !!!!!
There people looking are peeping Tom they should be arrested You rent the room if you want to walk around naked You should be able to
I want to know where were the protesters in liberal Denver who should have been raising “Buck Naked Lives Matter” signs and marching in the streets toppling clothed statues?
Another example of Stupid Cops. They need a Psych Evaluation Every time they clock In.