Originally Posted by emb145captain

While this seems to be a real bummer for this pilot, I must comment that there were no witnesses, and therefore there are only two people who know exactly what happened here.

Everybody here so quick to jump to the pilot's defense might reconsider this. I had my issues with agents, but always had witnesses. Yes, I know that is not always possible.

This whole "authority" and "command" thing can be displayed in such a way to look like a primma-donna pilot, which is how most other employees view pilots.

Sounds like two grown ups that should have resolved this a bit more professionally, and without physical confrontation.

He could have just let the bag get stowed, fly the trip, and then make a report. That report would have probably gone up the chain, and the agent would have gotten a talking-to. Instead, the pilot gets arrested. Not smart.