Arkansas air traffic controller allegedly drunk and shirtless on the job

An Arkansas air traffic controller has been arrested after allegedly passing out drunk on the job.

CNN reports that the controller was caught "passed out in his chair with his shirt off," after a pilot had repeatedly called the tower requesting clearance to taxi - and got no response.

When police arrived on the scene the controller, Philip Maschek, was squatting in front of a small fridge, swaying back and forth and drinking from a water bottle.

He denied he was drunk, but also refused to take a Breathalyzer test, according to police.

Maschek has been arrested for public intoxication, and has since resigned.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the contractor he worked for have also begun an investigation.