A Delta Air Lines co-pilot has been arrested on child sex assault charges after federal agents and sheriff's deputies stormed the cockpit of a Boeing 737 shortly after it landed in San Francisco. The suspect has been identified as Rustom Bhagwagar, 34, a Florida resident, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office.
The arrest occurred on Saturday following a report of sex crimes against a child. Passengers on the flight from Minneapolis to San Francisco captured the incident on video, showing federal agents moving through the cabin to apprehend Bhagwagar. One passenger described the scene as "shocking and unnerving."
Bhagwagar has been booked into Martinez Detention Facility on five counts of oral copulation with a child under the age of 10. His bail has been set at $5 million. The investigation reportedly began in April, according to The New York Times.
Department of Homeland Security officers assisted the sheriff's office as part of an ongoing local investigation, providing logistical support to access the plane after landing. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated, "Anyone who commits depraved crimes against a child, including U.S. citizens, will face consequences."
Delta Air Lines confirmed that Bhagwagar has been suspended pending an investigation, saying, "Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by reports of the charges." Federal Aviation Administration records show Bhagwagar is licensed to fly a Boeing 737-500 and previously lived in San Ramon, Texas.
