Flight diverted after woman strikes passenger, flight attendant

INDIANAPOLIS -- Officials say a Chicago-bound American Airlines flight was diverted to Indianapolis after a woman struck another passenger and a flight attendant.

Airline spokeswoman Laura Masvidal says the flight, which departed from Miami, landed around 5:45 p.m. Monday at Indianapolis International Airport.

Jeff Dutton, the airport's communications manager, says the woman had to be detained during the flight and was taken to the back of the plane. Dutton says the pilot decided to divert the flight after the woman struck a flight attendant and a passenger.

According to Dutton, the woman also kicked an airport police officer as she was being escorted off the plane.

One passenger, Jim Saviano, tweeted about the incident and posted video.

The Indianapolis Star reports the woman was taken into custody and faces preliminary charges including battery resulting in bodily injury.

The flight left Indianapolis shortly after 7 p.m.

• Chicago
• American Airlines