FBI investigates sex assault on flight from Newark

NEW YORK (FOX NEWS) - The FBI is investigating an alleged assault that occurred on a United Airlines flight from Newark to Charlotte. 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they were called to the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport at 10:32 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 in response to a reported assault. 

The victim, a 37-year-old Asian woman, says a male passenger placed his hands between her legs and groped her.

Flight attendants reportedly separated the two and told passengers to remain seated after landing. Upon arrival, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrived to remove the man, who is 73 years old, from the plane.

United is also cooperating with the FBI’s investigation.

"The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we are working closely with authorities as they conduct their investigation," said United in a statement.

Fox News reported that the suspect, from Lithuania, told investigators that his hand merely fell into the woman's lap by accident.  Another passenger told a local station that the man's account seemed highly unlikely.