CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH VIDEO OF MAN BEING ESCORTED OFF PLANE

OAKLAND, California (AP) — Authorities say a St. Louis-bound Southwest Airlines flight was forced to return to Oakland International Airport after a male passenger stripped, hit another passenger and fought with crew members.

Alameda County sheriff’s deputies say Flight 947 returned Thursday morning after 21-year-old Darius Chappille of Oakland allegedly exposed himself to the female passenger sitting next to him and punched her in the face.

Lt. Howard Jacobs says flight attendants and other passengers then subdued Chappille, as he disrobed. He was apparently completely naked when sheriff’s deputies arrested him.

Chappille and the woman were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

A Southwest Airlines representative says the flight took off from Oakland again later.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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