LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A passenger was sent to the hospital after an assault on a Southwest Airlines flight that then had to emergency land in Little Rock on Saturday.
The aircraft, which was flying from Houston to Columbus, Ohio, made an emergency landing in Little Rock at 3:35 p.m, according to Shane Carter with the Clinton National Airport.
An official statement from Southwest Airlines said that the crew on board "observed unruly behavior" from a passenger later identified as Elom Agbegninou. She was arrested once the plane landed and is facing two federal charges.
The disturbance reportedly started when Agbegninou attempted to open an exit door at the rear of the plane during the flight, according to court documents.
Flight attendants told officers that Agbegninou shoved one of them and began pulling at the exit door handle before being restrained.
A passenger who helped in restraining Agbegninou was bitten on the right thigh.
Agbegninou allegedly told the victim that "Jesus told her to fly to Ohio" and to open the plane door.
She is being charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction and interference with flight crew members and attendants.
The suspect is scheduled to be in court at the federal courthouse at 10:00 a.m. on November 29.
We will update this article with additional information as it becomes available.