A vacation in the Caribbean took a surprising turn for the worse when a woman from Alabama became involved in a physical altercation with two elderly passengers, leading to an emergency diversion of her flight.
Ebony Chateria Harper, 31, who stands at just 4 feet 11 inches, is now facing legal troubles after a disagreement spiraled into a fistfight while on Frontier Flight 2089. The flight was en route from Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The incident began when Harper went to the back of the plane for the restroom but ended up infringing on the personal space of another passenger, Jimmy Lee Baker.
According to a police affidavit, witnesses reported that Harper leaned over Baker, prompting him to ask her to remove her arm from his back. Instead of apologizing, she allegedly groped his face, which led to an intervention by his wife, Lakisha Baker.
Lakisha told Harper to keep her distance from her husband, which seemingly escalated the situation. Harper reportedly then attempted to touch Lakisha’s face as well. This resulted in a physical confrontation, with Lakisha punching Harper in response.
The chaos didn’t stop there. Another passenger, Annette Baker, tried to intervene but ended up being repeatedly punched by Harper.
The flight was redirected to Miami International Airport, where FBI agents and TSA officials were ready to escort Harper off the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed the incident is under investigation.
Fortunately, the victims did not sustain any visible injuries but expressed their desire to press charges. Harper is facing serious allegations, including a felony charge for battery against a person aged 65 or older and a misdemeanor battery charge. She has been booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and, as of Wednesday afternoon, remains in custody.
Efforts to reach Frontier Airlines for a statement are underway.
