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PHOENIX (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – Two women were arrested after authorities said one of them spat at a passenger who asked them to stop using racist slurs in their conversation, which led to an argument that hijacked the Dallas-Fort Worth flight.
American Airlines said the flight was en route to Los Angeles when it was diverted to Sky Harbor International Airport around 5:15 p.m. Thursday due to an in-flight altercation.
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When the flight landed, officers from the Phoenix Police Department arrested Kelly Pichardo, 30, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, both from the Bronx, New York, claiming to have verbally and physically assaulted other passengers and members. crew.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said the women used racist slurs when a passenger asked them to stop using the language. Pichardo reportedly spat on the man, who then began recording them. Fortune said Rodriguez then slapped the man’s hand to prevent him from recording.
Rodriguez faces assault and disorderly conduct charges and Pichardo faces a disorderly conduct charge.
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American Airlines issued a statement about the incident:
While en route from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX), American Airlines Flight 776 diverted to Phoenix (PHX) following an in-flight customer altercation. On arrival, the flight was met by local law enforcement who abducted and arrested two people for verbally and physically assaulting other customers and flight crew members. Their behavior was disturbing and unacceptable, and they were placed on the internal garbage list pending further investigation. We are continuing to investigate this incident and are working directly with affected customers to ensure their well-being. We thank our team members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation.
The flight continued to Los Angeles and arrived without further incident.
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(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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