Arrest at Memphis International followed alleged assault on flight attendant and officers during Delta disturbance

Incident unfolded on an aircraft and continued on the ground, police say

A woman was arrested at Memphis International Airport after an onboard disturbance that police say included striking a flight attendant and, later, assaults on responding officers.

The incident occurred around midday Tuesday, when officers were called to a Delta Air Lines aircraft at the airport. Police allege the passenger, identified as Jessica Thomas, hit a flight attendant in the face while on board the plane.

After officers attempted to take her into custody for disorderly conduct, police say Thomas became irate and the encounter escalated. Authorities allege she bit one officer on the arm and kicked another officer in both legs before she was restrained in handcuffs and transported to jail.

Charges and bond

Thomas faces two charges tied to the episode: disorderly conduct and assault against a first responder. Records reviewed by the memphis.news newsroom show a bond amount of $2,500 was set in the case.

No additional details were released in the initial police account about what triggered the disturbance before the alleged assault on the flight attendant, the extent of any injuries, or whether the flight ultimately departed as scheduled.

How unruly passenger cases can proceed

Incidents involving disruptive or violent behavior on commercial flights can lead to parallel consequences. Local law enforcement typically addresses immediate public-safety issues and state-level charges when conduct continues at the gate or on airport property. Separately, federal aviation authorities may pursue civil enforcement actions when passenger conduct involves interference, threats, or assault directed at crew members.

Federal aviation rules allow for substantial civil penalties in cases involving assault, threats, intimidation, or interference with airline crew, and serious cases may also be referred for criminal review.

What is known, and what remains unclear

• Known: Police allege an assault on a flight attendant occurred on the aircraft, followed by a bite and kicks directed at officers during the arrest attempt.
• Known: The arrest took place at Memphis International Airport and involved a Delta flight.
• Known: The listed charges are disorderly conduct and assault against a first responder, with bond set at $2,500.
• Unclear: Whether any passengers required medical evaluation, whether the flight was delayed or canceled, and whether federal enforcement action is being pursued.

Police accounts describe an event that began on the aircraft with an alleged assault on a crew member and then intensified during the arrest process on the ground.

The case remains pending, and additional information—including any court filings detailing the sequence of events onboard and at the gate—may clarify what led to the confrontation and how authorities intend to proceed.