PHOENIX (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – Two women have been arrested after authorities said one of them spat at a passenger who asked them not to use racial insults in their conversation, leading to an argument that made the Dallas-Fort Worth flight deviated.
American Airlines said the flight was heading to Los Angeles when it was diverted to Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday, around 17:15, due to an altercation on board.
READ MORE: The Department of Justice will appeal the Texas Judge’s Order on the Evacuation Moratorium
When the flight landed, Phoenix Police Department officers arrested 30-year-old Kelly Pichardo and 29-year-old Leeza Rodriguez, both from the Bronx, New York. verbally and physically assaulted other passengers and crew members.
Sgt. Phoenix Police. Mercedes Fortune said women used racial insults when a male passenger asked them not to use their tongues. Pichardo allegedly spat at the man, who then began recording them. Fortune said Rodriguez then hit the man’s hand to stop him from recording.
Rodriguez faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct, and Pichardo faces charges of disorderly conduct.
READ MORE: DFW weather: heavy storms possible on Sunday, Monday more forecast
American Airlines issued a statement regarding the incident:
While flying from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX), American Airlines Flight 776 headed to Phoenix (PHX) following an altercation of customers in flight. Upon arrival, the flight was greeted by local law enforcement officers, who removed and arrested two people for verbally and physically assaulting other customers and flight crew members. Their behavior was disturbing and unacceptable and they were included in the internal list of wastes pending further investigations. We continue to investigate this incident and work directly with affected clients to ensure their well-being. We thank our crew members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation.
The flight continued to Los Angeles and arrived without further incident.
MORE NEWS: Police: There is no active shooter at Parks Mall in Arlington, fireworks have been set off
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)