PHOENIX (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – Two women were arrested after authorities said one of them spat on a passenger asking them to stop making racist comments in their conversation, sparking an argument that diverted the flight from Dallas-Fort Worth.
American Airlines said the flight was en route to Los Angeles when it was diverted to Sky Harbor International Airport at around 5:15 PM Thursday due to a disagreement on the flight.
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When the flight landed, Phoenix police officers arrested Kelly Pichardo, 30, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, both from the Bronx, New York, and said they verbally and physically assaulted other passengers and crew members.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said the women used racial slurs when a male passenger asked them to stop using the language. Pichardo is said to have spat at the man, who then started recording. Fortune said Rodriguez, then hit the man’s hand to stop him from recording.
Rodriguez is charged with assault and disorderly conduct, and Pichardo is charged with disorderly conduct.
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American Airlines released a statement about the incident:
While en route from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX), American Airlines Flight 776 was diverted to Phoenix (PHX) due to an in-flight dispute with customers. Upon arrival, the flight was met by local law enforcement officers who removed and arrested two individuals for verbal and physical abuse of other customers and flight crew members. Their behavior was disturbing and unacceptable and they have been placed on the internal refusal list pending further investigation. We continue to investigate this incident and work directly with affected customers 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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