PHOENIX (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – Two women were arrested after authorities said one of them spat at a passenger who asked them to stop using racial insults in their conversation, prompting an argument that diverted the flight from Dallas. -Fort Worth.
American Airlines said the flight was headed to Los Angeles when it was diverted to Sky Harbor International Airport around 5:15 p.m. Thursday due to an altercation during the flight.
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When the flight landed, Phoenix Police Department officers arrested Kelly Pichardo, 30, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, both of the Bronx, New York, saying they verbally and physically assaulted other passengers and members. of the crew.
Phoenix Police Sergeant. Mercedes Fortune said women used racial insults when a passenger asked them to stop using the language. Pichardo allegedly spat at the man, who then began recording them. Fortune said Rodriguez punched the man in the hand to prevent him from recording.
Rodriguez faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct and Pichardo faces charges of disorderly conduct.
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American Airlines issued a statement on the incident:
While en route from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX), American Airlines Flight 776 was diverted to Phoenix (PHX) as a result of a customer altercation during the flight. . Upon arrival, the flight was attended to by local law enforcement who withdrew and detained two people for verbally and physically assaulting other customers and members of the flight crew. Their behavior was unsettling and unacceptable and they have been included in the list of internal rejections pending further investigation. 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.
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