LAX-bound plane escorted by F-16 fighter jets to Tucson after onboard 'verbal disturbance'

TUCSON, Ariz. (KABC) -- An airplane bound for the Los Angeles International Airport was escorted by fighter jets following a mid-flight disturbance Wednesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration said a Compass Airlines aircraft operating on behalf of Delta Airlines was flying from San Antonio to Los Angeles when it was diverted to Tucson International Airport.

Tucson Airport Authority Police said there was a reported "verbal disturbance" onboard the aircraft and they were notified the plane was being diverted to their airport at about 3:45 p.m. local time.

Authorities said 80 people were onboard, including passengers and flight crew, when F-16s from NORAD intercepted and escorted the plane Tucson.

When the plane arrived, officers with the Tucson Airport Authority Police, the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol met the flight on the ground.

Officers boarded the aircraft and escorted the suspect off the plane.

Passengers were deplaned and a security sweep was conducted on the aircraft. Those on board were screened by TSA, interviewed, and then allowed to book a different flight.

"He just seemed like an unstable guy who was, like, capable of doing anything...He had a lot of tattoos. It was obvious that he could have been in jail before," said one passenger from the flight.

No injuries were reported during the incident.