American Airlines flight from JFK Airport to Santa Ana diverted to Denver after passenger allegedly assaults flight attendant

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A flight from New York to Santa Ana was diverted after a passenger allegedly physically assaulted a flight attendant on Wednesday.

According to American Airlines, Flight 976 from JFK International Airport to John Wayne Airport, made an emergency landing in Denver after a passenger physically assaulted the flight attendant.

They say the plane landed safely and taxied to the gate where law enforcement removed the passenger and took him into custody.

“We are outraged by the reports of what took place on board. Acts of violence against our team members are not tolerated by American Airlines. We are working with law enforcement to support our team member and pursue prosecution, and the individual involved in this incident will not be allowed to travel with us in the future,” American Airlines said in a statement.

It’s unclear what led up to the assault.

DEVELOPING: We will add more details to this report as they become available.