Fighter jets intercept plane in Obama's restricted airspace

A MAN was arrested yesterday after military F-16 fighter jets intercepted his plane when it violated airspace restrictions in place for President Barack Obama's departure from Los Angeles.

Sources told the Los Angeles Times that the man was arrested after being interviewed by Secret Service agents at El Monte Airport, where his small plane was escorted shortly before 10:00am local time.

"The fighters responded to a temporary flight restriction violation by a Piper 28 aircraft," the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement. "After intercepting the aircraft, the F-16s followed it until it landed without incident, at approximately [9:50am PST] where the plane was met by local law enforcement."

The pilot was not identified, but sources told the Times that it appeared the man had accidentally violated the airspace restrictions.

Obama flew out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Air Force One at 9:53am local time, after spending Thursday night pulling in nearly $15 million at a fundraising dinner held at actor George Clooney's home.