A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Atlanta was diverted to Miami after a 31-year-old passenger allegedly touched and then struck elderly travelers onboard. Witnesses say the altercation began when the passenger leaned on a man in the last row and responded to requests to move by touching his face. The FAA is investigating; FBI and TSA met the plane in Miami and the suspect was arrested and booked on felony and misdemeanor battery charges. Victims reported no visible injuries but intend to press charges.
Midair Assault on Frontier Flight Forces Diversion to Miami; Woman Charged After Allegedly Striking Elderly Passengers
Woman allegedly touches passengers' faces, then punches elderly travelers during Caribbean flight
A Caribbean-bound trip turned chaotic Monday when a passenger aboard Frontier Airlines flight 2089 allegedly attacked several senior travelers, prompting an emergency diversion to Miami International Airport.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Ebony Shyteria Harper, 31, of Alabama. According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by investigators, the incident occurred while the aircraft was cruising from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan, Puerto Rico) toward Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at roughly 30,000 feet.
What Happened On Board
Witnesses say Harper walked toward the rear of the cabin to use the restroom and leaned against a man seated in the last row, identified as Jimmie Lee Baker. When Baker asked her to move, investigators say Harper reacted by touching his face with her hands. Baker's wife, Lakisha Baker, intervened and police allege Harper then touched her face as well.
A Frontier Airlines Airbus A319 plane(iStock)
The affidavit states that a physical confrontation followed: Lakisha Baker struck Harper, and Harper allegedly swung back. A third passenger, Annette Baker, who tried to separate the parties, was reportedly struck multiple times in the face by Harper. Crew members diverted the flight to Miami for the safety of other passengers and to allow law enforcement to respond.
Arrest, Charges and Investigation
FBI agents and TSA officials met the airplane at the gate in Miami and removed Harper from the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating the incident. According to the affidavit, the victims reported no visible injuries but told investigators they intend to press charges.
Harper was charged with a felony count of battery on a person 65 or older and one count of misdemeanor battery. She was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and remained in custody as of Wednesday afternoon. Frontier Airlines was contacted for comment.
Note: Details above reflect information in the arrest affidavit and statements from authorities; the case remains under investigation.
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