Alabama Woman Accused of Punching Elderly Couple in Midair Brawl on Flight to Atlanta
A peaceful flight from Puerto Rico to Atlanta turned violent on Monday when an Alabama woman allegedly began touching passengers' faces and then punching elderly travelers, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency diversion to Miami.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Ebony Shyteria Harper of Alabama, now faces serious charges including a felony count of battery on a person 65 or older after the chaotic scene unfolded at 30,000 feet.
How the Midair Confrontation Escalated
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, the incident occurred aboard Frontier Flight 2089, which had departed from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was en route to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Harper, who stands just 4-foot-11, reportedly went to the back of the aircraft to use the restroom. While there, witnesses stated she "leaned" her body onto a passenger identified as Jimmie Lee Baker, who was seated in the last row.
When Baker asked Harper to move her arm off his back, the situation quickly deteriorated. Instead of apologizing, police say Harper allegedly began "touching" Baker's face with her hands.
Wife Steps In, Violence Escalates
Baker's wife, identified as Lakisha Baker, intervened and told Harper to back off her husband. According to the affidavit, Harper then began "touching" Lakisha's face as well. Lakisha reportedly struck Harper, and a physical fight broke out between the two women.
The altercation escalated further when a fourth passenger, identified as Annette Baker, attempted to intervene as a peacemaker. Police said that Harper then turned on her and began "striking her numerous times with a closed fist" directly in the face.
Flight Diverted to Miami, FBI Waiting at Gate
The ongoing violence forced the flight crew to divert the aircraft to Miami International Airport. Upon landing, a team of FBI agents and TSA officials was waiting at the gate to remove Harper from the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital and stated that it is continuing its investigation.
Charges Filed: Felony and Misdemeanor Counts
According to the arrest affidavit, the victims escaped without visible wounds but have told authorities they wish to press charges.
Harper now faces:
One felony count of battery on a person 65 or older
One count of misdemeanor battery
She was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami and remained there as of Wednesday afternoon.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Frontier Airlines for comment on the incident.
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