A flight from Philadelphia to Miami turned violent when Ishaan Sharma, a 21-year-old man from Newark, New Jersey, allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on fellow passenger Keanu Evans. The incident occurred aboard Frontier Airlines Flight 1203 as it approached Miami International Airport late Monday night.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to Gate F7 shortly after 9:20 am (local time) following a report of an onboard battery. The altercation reportedly occurred just as Evans was returning to his seat when Sharma suddenly grabbed him by the throat.

A struggle ensued between the two passengers, resulting in visible injuries. Sharma sustained a deep cut above his left eyebrow, which required stitches. The scuffle was recorded by nearby passengers and posted on Instagram by users @drethedroneguy and @r.nichols49.

While Evans had superficial cuts, he declined medical treatment. Sharma was cleared at Jackson West Hospital and then transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Centre, where he now faces a battery charge.

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Strange Behaviour And Verbal Threats

Before the assault, Evans noted Sharma was behaving erratically. In an interview with WSVN, Evans recalled Sharma muttering dark phrases and issuing bizarre threats. “He was doing some, like, dark laugh like, ‘ha ha ha ha ha,’” Evans said. “He was saying things like, ‘You punt, mortal man. If you challenge me, it will result in your death.”

Evans became alarmed and pressed the cabin crew assistance button, which seemed to trigger Sharma even further. “He got up, put his forehead against mine, stared angrily, then just grabbed me by the throat and started choking me,” Evans added. “In that moment, it was fight or flight, I had to defend myself.

Following the confrontation, Sharma was arrested by deputies as the flight landed. Online footage showed him with a bruised face and a bloodied eye, a clear result of the physical altercation.

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Evans expressed regret that the incident turned violent but emphasised that he acted in self-defence. “I don’t want people to get the wrong idea about me,” he said, describing the confined nature of the altercation and his immediate response.

Sharma remains in custody at a Miami-Dade detention facility. He has been charged with battery and will face legal proceedings for the mid-air attack.