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Indian-American arrested for choking passenger mid-flight to Miami
The incident, partially captured on video, shows a physical altercation breaking out mid-air between Ishaan Sharma and the victim, Keanu Evans.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 04, Jul 2025
- 15:58 EDT
- 28
Representative Image / Pexels
An Indian-American man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a fellow passenger during a Frontier Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Miami on June 30.
The incident, partially captured on video by nearby passengers, shows a physical altercation breaking out mid-air between the accused, Ishaan Sharma, 21, of Newark, New Jersey, and the victim, Keanu Evans.
Also Read: Indian-American doctor held for daughter's murder in Florida
According to local media outlets, Sharma allegedly approached Evans as he was returning to his seat and grabbed him by the neck without provocation. Fellow passengers can be heard urging them to stop, while a flight attendant is seen trying unsuccessfully to intervene.
Evans told the News7 that the confrontation was preceded by disturbing behavior. He alleged that Sharma had been darkly laughing and muttering threatening phrases such as, “You puny mortal man, if you challenge me, it will result in your death.”
New: Ishaan Sharma, 21, was arrested for allegedly committing an unprovoked assault on a fellow passenger aboard a Frontier flight to Miami.
— The Facts Dude (@The_Facts_Dude) July 3, 2025
Sharma faces charges of battery and a $500 bond, per jail records.
The victim reported to police that the attack was unprovoked,… pic.twitter.com/9xwPmKNHaF
He claimed that he reported the unsettling remarks to flight attendants, who advised him to press the call button if the threats continued. Moments later, the situation reportedly escalated when Sharma allegedly lunged at him.
According to Evans,the video circulating online captures only part of the story and does not reflect the threats or provocation he faced before the confrontation turned physical. Footage of the altercation shows the two men grappling in the aisle, with both sustaining minor injuries. Sharma was left with a black eye and a cut above his eyebrow that required stitches, while Evans reported facial scratches. The video has since gone viral on social media.
Upon landing at Miami International Airport, Sharma was arrested by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies and taken to Jackson West Hospital before being booked into custody. According to jail records cited by ABC News, he has been charged with battery and is being held on a $500 bond.
During a court appearance on July 1, Sharma’s attorney claimed the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. However, Judge Gerald Hubbart issued a stay-away order, preventing Sharma from contacting Evans or approaching his residence, school, or workplace.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Frontier Airlines has yet to issue a public statement.
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