Philadelphia-bound flight diverted to Phoenix for unruly passenger

PHOENIX (WPVI) -- An American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia had to be diverted to Phoenix because of an unruly passenger.

Phoenix police say a man was escorted off the plane without incident Thursday morning and transported to an urgent psychological care center for evaluation.

They say charges for interfering with the flight crew will be filed against the man, whose name, age and hometown weren't released.

Chip Yates, another passenger on the plane, took a photo of the incident and shared it on social media.

An airlines spokesman says Flight 754 left Los Angeles International Airport at 8:38 a.m. with 150 passengers, three infants and a crew of six aboard.

Shortly after takeoff when the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign was turned off, authorities say the man walked to the first-class section and refused to take his seat.

Police say the man made alarming statements and was assisted back to his seat by the flight crew and a few passengers while the plane was diverted to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The plane refueled and departed for Philadelphia shortly before noon.