Two women in the Bronx caused an American Airlines flight to be diverted because of their “disturbing and unacceptable” behavior, including spitting on a passenger who asked them to stop using racial insults, according to reports.
Kelly Pichardo, 30, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, were on board Flight 776 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Los Angeles on Wednesday when a male passenger asked them to stop using offensive language in conversation. reported CBS DFW.
Pichardo allegedly spat at the man, who then began recording them, the Phoenix police sergeant said. Mercedes Fortune after the plane was diverted to Arizona City’s Sky Harbor International Airport.
Rodriguez was also accused of hitting the man in the hand to prevent him from recording, Fortune said.
“Upon arrival, local law enforcement attended to the flight which withdrew and detained two people for verbally and physically assaulting other customers and flight crew members,” said American Airlines representative Derek Walls to The Post in an email.
“Their behavior was disturbing and unacceptable and they have been included in the internal list of rejections pending further investigation. We continue to investigate this incident and work directly with affected clients to ensure their well-being,” the airline.
“We thank our crew members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation,” he added.
Rodriguez was charged with assault and disorderly conduct, while Pichardo faces a charge of disorderly conduct, according to the media.
The flight continued to Los Angeles later and arrived without further incident.