Who is Rustom Bhagwagar? Air Line pilot arrested in dramatic showdown!

Authorities in California arrested a Delta Air Lines co-pilot upon landing at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday night. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida, was taken into custody on multiple charges related to child sexual assault.

Arrest Made Onboard Plane

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, detectives, along with Homeland Security Investigations, boarded the plane around 9:35 PM and apprehended Bhagwagar in the cockpit.
“At about 9:35 PM, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, boarded the plane to arrest the suspect,” the department stated in a news release.

A passenger told View from the Wing that approximately 10 officers “stormed to the front” of the Delta flight from Minneapolis as soon as it arrived and “grabbed/arrested” the co-pilot. The main pilot allegedly told nearby passengers that “he had no idea what just happened.”

Charges and Bail

Bhagwagar was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years of age. He is being held on $5 million bail.

Airline Responds

In an emailed statement, Delta said:
“Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement.”
The airline also confirmed that Bhagwagar has been suspended pending further investigation.

Ongoing Investigation

The sheriff’s office began investigating Bhagwagar in April, after receiving a report of alleged sex crimes involving a child. Authorities urged anyone with additional information to contact the Investigation Division at 925-313-2600, email tips@so.cccounty.us, or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous tip.