Court docs: 'Unruly' airplane passenger tried to bite crew

Update: Daniela Velez-Reyes, the 25-year-old Chicago woman accused of becoming "unruly" on an American Airlines flight earlier this week that was diverted to Indianapolis, entered a preliminary plea of not guilty in Marion Superior Court on Thursday.

Velez-Reyes earlier this week posted bond in the case. She is charged with multiple felonies, including one that accuses her of disrupting the operation of an aircraft by using force.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 29.

Earlier: Court documents filed Wednesday in Marion County reveal more information about an incident that took place on an American Airlines flight earlier this week, when a passenger became "unruly" and caused a Chicago-bound plane to divert to Indianapolis.

Daniela Velez-Reyes, 25 of Chicago, was taken into custody Monday after a violent outburst aboard American Airlines 1284, officials said. Court documents state Velez-Reyes became "unruly, abusive and had struck another passenger," prompting the plane's pilot to lock down the cabin and cockpit and divert the flight to Indianapolis.

The incident started when a flight attendant noticed Velez-Reyes strike another passenger in the shoulder, according to court documents. Attempting to de-escalate the situation, the flight attendant requested Velez-Reyes accompany her to the back of the plane, where the passenger grabbed the attendant, kicked her, then punched her in the face.

Other flight attendants came to their colleague's aid and attempted to detain Velez-Reyes with flex-cuffs, but had trouble restraining her, the documents state. The captain made an announcement and asked for any able-bodied men to assist the flight crew in restraining the woman.

Even after Velez-Reyes was restrained, she attempted to kick and bite flight attendants and passengers, court documents state.

The plane landed in Indianapolis just before 6 p.m. and was boarded by airport police. After police escorted Velez-Reyes off the plane, court documents state she kneed an officer in the thigh.

She's now facing multiple charges, including disruption of an aircraft, battery of a public safety officer and disorderly conduct.

Call Star reporter Michael Anthony Adams at (317) 444-6123. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelAdams317.