Delta Pilot's Cockpit Arrest Capped Months-Long Child Sex Abuse Probe that Began in April By Liam Quinn

The investigation into the Delta Airlines copilot who was arrested moments after his plane landed in San Francisco had been ongoing since April, authorities said.

Rustom Bhagwagar, 34, was taken into custody shortly after Delta Flight 2809 touched down at about 9:35 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.

The sheriff’s office said it received a tip about the alleged sex abuse of a child in April. An arrest warrant for Bhagwagar was subsequently obtained.

Investigators learned that Bhagwagar was set to fly into San Francisco International Airport and developed a plan to board the plane and arrest him.

The arrest was carried out by the sheriff’s office, in connection with Homeland Security Investigations.

Bhagwagar has been charged with five counts of oral copulation with a child under 10 years of age and is being held in lieu of $5 million bail, the Contra Costa Sheriff said.

“Thanks to DHS’ partnership with Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office this pedophile is behind bars,” Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to PEOPLE.

One of the passengers on the plane told travel outlet View from the Wing that the officers “stormed” the cockpit.

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Another passenger spoke to ABC 7 about the alarm caused by the ordeal.

“I don’t know if this person was disappearing before our eyes, if there had been a crime committed, or what exactly was happening,” she told the outlet.

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It is not immediately clear if Bhagwagar has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

KTVU reported that Delta has suspended Bhagwagar.

“Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement,” the airline told the outlet. “We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest and the individual in question has been suspended pending an investigation.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.