Delta Pilot Dramatically Arrested by Federal Agents
Federal agents reportedly stormed a Delta Airlines plane over the weekend, taking the pilot into custody in a startling incident.
Delta Flight 2809 departed from Minneapolis and arrived at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday at around 9:35 PM.
“Everyone was confused and distrustful of what was going on,” recalled a passenger.
Witnesses on the Boeing 757-300 described at least ten federal agents board the aircraft, and the scene was labeled “shocking and unsettling.” One passenger mentioned, “A group of people with badges, guns, and agency vests was heading down the aisle towards the cockpit.”
Passengers in first class noted that the agents appeared to be from the local Homeland Security investigation.
Reports indicated that officers “raided the cockpit, handcuffed the co-pilot, and then left the plane through the cabin door separating first class from economy,” according to one witness.
Another passenger remarked that they were “confused and couldn’t believe what was happening.”
After some time, another group of agents returned to collect the co-pilot’s personal belongings.
Video footage shared on social media displayed several agents exiting the cockpit area.
The co-pilot was later identified as 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar from Florida.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office reported that they had been investigating allegations of child sexual offenses since April 2025, leading to this dramatic confrontation.
Authorities revealed that Bhagwagar is accused of sexually assaulting a child under the age of ten and an arrest warrant was issued for him.
Detectives from the sheriff’s department, along with a Homeland Security agent, boarded the aircraft to arrest Bhagwagar, who is now at the Martinez detention facility, with bail set at $5 million.
The Sheriff’s Office indicated that their investigation is ongoing.
If anyone has information regarding the case, they are encouraged to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
A spokesman for Homeland Security emphasized their support for local law enforcement in executing the arrest warrant.
In light of these serious allegations, Delta quickly grounded Bhagwagar as investigations continue. A representative from Delta stated they “have zero tolerance for illegal activities and will fully cooperate with law enforcement.”
