US: Plane diverted to Texas after passenger disrupts flight with threats

A passenger was removed from an American Airlines flight to Dallas after causing a disruption that led pilots to make an unplanned stop in Lubbock, Texas.

A passenger was removed from an American Airlines flight to Dallas after causing a disruption that led pilots to make an unplanned stop in Lubbock, Texas.

A passenger was removed from an American Airlines flight to Dallas after causing a disruption that led pilots to make an unplanned stop in Texas (Shutterstock/Representative image)

The airline said other passengers helped flight attendants restrain the man during the redeye flight on Thursday morning from Ontario, California.

Airport and law enforcement officials said that 24-year-old Jerry Ba Nguyen, of San Jose, California, was taken to a local hospital and then to the Lubbock County jail and charged with making terror threats. An arrest affidavit said he threatened other passengers but gave few details.

Airline spokesperson Ross Feinstein said the flight continued to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after a delay of about an hour in Lubbock.

The Boeing 737 left Ontario with 143 passengers aboard, including an infant, plus six crew members.