Federal Agents Storm Cockpit in Shocking Tarmac Takedown
A Delta Airlines copilot is in federal custody after being dramatically arrested in the cockpit of a commercial jet moments after it landed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Saturday night.
The shocking takedown unfolded as the aircraft, packed with passengers on a flight from Minneapolis, taxied to the gate. Just as the plane parked, federal agents stormed the aircraft, heading straight for the cockpit — and what they did next left everyone stunned.
🛑 Feds Storm Plane, Take Copilot Into Custody
According to witnesses and video circulating online, 10 armed federal agents — including members of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other agencies — rushed the plane around 9:30 PM, pushing through the cabin with urgency.
More Read
“They came in fast. No one knew what was going on. Then they disappeared into the cockpit,” one passenger told The San Francisco Chronicle.
Shortly after, the agents emerged with the copilot in handcuffs, escorting him through the cabin and out of the aircraft via mid-cabin doors between first class and economy.
Other agents followed, collecting the suspect’s belongings from his crew luggage and seat area, sparking immediate confusion among passengers, many of whom had no idea what just happened.
🚨 Copilot Identified as Rustom Bhagwagar
By Monday afternoon, a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed to TMZ that the arrested pilot was Rustom Bhagwagar.
The Sheriff’s Office revealed that Bhagwagar had been the subject of a months-long investigation that began in April 2025 after authorities received a tip involving sexual crimes against a child.
“We were actively investigating Bhagwagar and had secured a warrant for his arrest,” said the department rep. “We received information that he would be landing at SFO and moved in with federal assistance.”
Bhagwagar, whose role was as a copilot on the Delta flight, was booked at Contra Costa County Jail on five felony counts of oral copulation with a child under the age of 10.
His bail has been set at $5 million.
📦 Charges Are Beyond Disturbing
The charges against Bhagwagar are deeply serious and carry potential life sentences if convicted.
The specific charge, oral copulation with a child under 10, is one of the most severe non-homicide crimes in California’s penal code. Each count could carry a sentence of 15 years to life.
While law enforcement has not released details about the alleged victim or when the abuse occurred, they confirmed that the case was developed independently of the flight incident — meaning the arrest was timed for when Bhagwagar would be accessible and in a federal-controlled location.
🔍 Federal Coordination with Local Authorities
This arrest was no random act — it was the result of a high-level interagency coordination.
The operation included:
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
They all worked together to intercept Bhagwagar in a place where he had no chance to flee or hide.
“When someone is flying across states with these charges pending, there’s a real risk they may attempt to disappear,” said a federal source familiar with the case. “The tarmac is a controlled environment. That’s where you move in.”
🎥 Shocking Video Surfaces
Footage of the high-intensity arrest has been circulating across social media and news outlets.
One video shared by journalist Nick Sortor shows federal agents marching down the aisle, guns visible on their belts, as passengers look on in confusion and silence.
Another clip shows the copilot being led off the plane, his head down, surrounded by agents with stern expressions.
“It was like something out of a movie,” one passenger told local media. “People thought it was terrorism at first. We had no idea it was a sex crime.”
🛫 Delta Responds: “We Are Cooperating Fully”
In the wake of the arrest, Delta Airlines issued a statement:
“We are aware of the situation involving one of our off-duty employees who was arrested upon landing at San Francisco International Airport. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.”
The airline did not say whether Bhagwagar had flown for Delta previously or if he had worked other routes recently. It is unknown how long he had been employed with the airline, but insiders suggest federal background checks will now be re-evaluated across the industry.
⚖️ What Happens Next?
Bhagwagar is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in Contra Costa County. His arraignment is expected later this week, where prosecutors will formally charge him.
Depending on the hearing, the $5 million bail could be revisited based on risk of flight, potential danger to the public, and the severity of the accusations.
Federal investigators are also reviewing any possible digital evidence, communications, or further incidents that may be connected to Bhagwagar’s activity across state lines.
🚨 Industry Shocked by Mid-Flight Arrest
Aviation experts say this kind of onboard arrest of a crew member is unprecedented in recent memory.
“This is rare, incredibly rare,” said retired pilot and aviation safety consultant Mark Ellison. “To have a pilot taken into custody immediately after flying a jet — it’s a very controlled and intentional move by law enforcement.”
The incident has raised security questions about how airline personnel are monitored and what kind of psychological and background vetting is in place for those operating commercial aircraft.
🔄 Social Media Reacts
News of the arrest went viral almost instantly. On X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, hashtags like #DeltaCopilotArrest and #FederalTakedown began trending, with users shocked at the nature of the allegations.
“Flying with predators behind the controls? I’m done.” – @SkyFlyerMom
“Kudos to the agents for arresting him without risking passengers’ lives.” – @AviationNewsHQ
“I had my kid on that flight. Absolutely terrifying.” – @DadInTheClouds
🗣️ What You Should Know
If you or someone you know suspects child abuse or exploitation, authorities encourage immediate reporting:
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): 1-800-THE-LOST
- CyberTipline: report.cybertip.org
- Your local law enforcement agency
💬 What Are Your Thoughts?
Was this arrest handled correctly? Should airlines enhance their screening processes for employees?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for breaking updates on this developing story.
