Delta Co-Pilot Arrested on Arrival at SFO in Shocking Mid-Flight Operation

Passengers aboard Delta Flight 2809 from Minneapolis to San Francisco expected turbulence in the sky—not on the ground. But Friday night’s routine landing turned into a high-stakes scene as federal agents boarded the plane moments after arrival and arrested the co-pilot on charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a child.

The arrest happened just after 9:35 p.m., shortly after the plane touched down at San Francisco International Airport. Bay Area fog had already delayed the flight, but what followed stunned everyone on board. Multiple federal agents and sheriff’s deputies stormed the aircraft, heading straight for the cockpit, where they detained 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida.

According to authorities, Bhagwagar is facing five felony charges involving a child under the age of 10. He is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on $5 million bail.

The operation was the result of a months-long investigation. Local officials say the case originated in April when a report of suspected child sexual abuse was filed. After identifying the suspect as a commercial airline pilot, authorities coordinated his arrest to occur immediately upon landing in San Francisco.

Passengers Caught in the Middle of a Federal Operation