Frontier flight from San Juan to Atlanta diverted to Miami after alleged onboard fight and arrest
Midair confrontation prompts unplanned landing at Miami International Airport
A Frontier Airlines flight traveling from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Atlanta was diverted to Miami International Airport after a physical confrontation broke out onboard, leading to an arrest by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the arrested passenger as Ebony Shyteria Harper, 31, of Opelika, Alabama. Jail booking records show Harper was taken into custody on Monday and booked on a felony charge of battery on a person 65 or older, along with a misdemeanor battery charge.
What investigators say happened on the aircraft
Investigators described a sequence that began as Harper walked toward the back of the plane to use the restroom. Deputies reported that Harper leaned on a passenger seated in the back row; the passenger asked her to remove her hand from his back. The situation escalated when Harper allegedly made physical contact with the passenger’s face. Deputies said the passenger’s wife then asked Harper to stop, and Harper allegedly touched the woman’s face as well.
The confrontation then turned physical. Deputies reported Harper struck the woman. A family member attempted to intervene and was allegedly punched multiple times.
Miami-Dade authorities documented allegations of multiple batteries involving more than one passenger, including an alleged victim who was 65 or older.
Operational impact: diversion and delays
The aircraft diverted to Miami International Airport, where Harper was arrested after the plane arrived at the gate. Public flight-tracking information indicated the aircraft remained on the ground in Miami for nearly three hours before continuing to Atlanta. The flight later arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday night.
Charges and custody status
Booking records show Harper was released early Wednesday after posting a $1,000 bond. The felony count reflects an allegation that one of the victims was at least 65 years old, a factor that can elevate a battery allegation under Florida law.
Key verified details
Route: San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Atlanta; diversion to Miami International Airport.
Arresting agency: Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Suspect: Ebony Shyteria Harper, 31, of Opelika, Alabama.
Allegations: felony battery on a person 65 or older; misdemeanor battery.
Custody: released early Wednesday on $1,000 bond.
The incident remains a criminal matter under local jurisdiction, and the charges represent allegations filed at the time of arrest.