United flight diverted to Madison, Wisconsin

By Twincitieslocalnews staff

A United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis had to divert to Madison, Wisconsin.

The flight was heading to Minneapolis but was diverted due to an unruly passenger. Law enforcement on the flight restrained and handcuffed the passenger quickly, with no injuries to other passengers.

The plane landed safely and Dane County Sheriff's deputies met the flight when it landed, removed the passenger, and arrested him.

The passenger remains in custody and there is no danger to the public. Airport operations are continuing and remaining flights will continue to arrive at the airport.

The flight resumed early Saturday morning, with the plane taking off at 1:25 a.m. and landing in Minneapolis at 2:18 a.m.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office said that the flight was diverted due to the behavior of a 75-year-old male passenger.

Upon initial investigation, the sheriff's office said the passenger appeared confused and was having a mental health crisis. The passenger’s family in Minnesota was contacted and is traveling to Madison to be reunited. The FBI Milwaukee’s Madison Resident Agency immediately responded and is handling the investigation. They said no criminal charges are being pursued right now.