Flight diverted to Sea-Tac after man allegedly tries to kiss sleeping teen

SEATTLE -- An Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Anchorage was diverted to Sea-Tac Airport Tuesday after a man was accused of having unwanted contact with a 16-year-old girl next to him on the plane, Sea-Tac spokesman Perry Cooper said.

Alaska Flight 137 was diverted to Sea-Tac at about 2 p.m.

A 23-year-old man from California was arrested upon landing, Cooper said, after he allegedly tried to kiss a sleeping 16-year-old girl sitting next to him on the flight.

When the incident happened, the pilot was notified and at that point the plane was diverted to Sea-Tac, Cooper said.

The female passenger remained on board the flight, which continued to Anchorage at about 3 p.m.

The man was arrested for fourth-degree assault, Cooper said. The case will be turned over to the King County Prosecutor's Office for filing of charges, he added.