Delta Co-Pilot Arrested at SFO for Alleged Child Sex Crimes
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Delta Air Lines co-pilot Rustom Bhagwagar, 34, was arrested on July 26, 2025, moments after landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for alleged child sex crimes. Authorities acted swiftly, boarding Flight 2809 from Minneapolis before passengers could even deplane.
The aircraft had landed only slightly behind schedule due to foggy conditions when Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputies and Homeland Security Investigations agents boarded the Boeing 757 and arrested Bhagwagar, who resides in Florida.
Passenger video showed a group of law enforcement agents pushing toward the cockpit, visibly startling passengers. One traveler told the San Francisco Chronicle that they saw officials wearing various agency vests and carrying firearms moving quickly to the front of the plane.
Other members of the flight crew were reportedly unaware of the pending arrest. The flight’s captain appeared confused as he observed the situation from the cockpit.
According to Contra Costa County authorities, Bhagwagar had been under investigation since April, with a warrant issued for his arrest shortly before the flight. Federal agents assisted sheriff’s officials in accessing the aircraft upon its arrival at SFO.
Bhagwagar was booked into Martinez Jail and charged with five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years old. He is currently being held on $5 million bail.
Delta Airlines responded on Monday with a statement:
“Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest, and the individual in question has been suspended pending an investigation.”
Authorities confirmed that the case remains under active investigation.
