Layne Arthur Lundeen, a 67-year-old realtor from Tucson, Arizona, was duct-taped to his seat on American Airlines flight 618 after allegedly making obscene remarks during the flight. The incident occurred on Thursday night, prompting the flight to divert to Baltimore. Lundeen reportedly used racial slurs and made derogatory comments towards a flight attendant and other passengers, according to police reports.
Witness Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, stated that he and a friend intervened when they heard Lundeen becoming belligerent. Mejia described Lundeen as making offensive remarks and using vulgar language. Video footage from the flight showed Lundeen restrained in his seat.
American Airlines confirmed that the flight was diverted due to a disruptive passenger and that law enforcement met the aircraft upon landing. The FBI reported that Lundeen was arrested by Maryland Transportation Police and charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. The FBI is conducting interviews to gather facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding potential federal charges.