Arthur Layne Lundeen, a 67-year-old Tucson, Arizona, resident, is at the center of a dramatic in-flight incident that forced an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark to divert to Baltimore.
According to authorities and passenger accounts, Lundeen allegedly became increasingly belligerent aboard American Airlines Flight 618, reportedly using vulgar language and racial slurs before the situation turned physical.
Passenger Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, said the incident escalated suddenly, with Lundeen allegedly putting his hands around the neck of another passenger. Mejia and fellow passenger Richard Olenick intervened as the situation became increasingly chaotic.
Lundeen was eventually restrained in his first-class seat using duct tape, while his hands were secured with zip ties. Photos from the aircraft showed him bound to the seat with visible bloody injuries to his arms.
The Boeing 737 was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, where law enforcement removed Lundeen from the aircraft. The flight subsequently continued to Newark.
Lundeen, who is from Tucson, is identified in professional profiles as a real estate associate broker and realtor, and as a vice president member of the executive council at Long Realty Company.
He was arrested and charged in Maryland with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Court records show he was released following an initial appearance on September 4 and is scheduled to return to court on October 19.
The FBI is conducting interviews and gathering facts to determine whether federal charges will be filed. The FAA has also confirmed it is investigating the passenger disturbance.
American Airlines said it does not tolerate violence and that passenger and employee safety is its top priority.
The incident is another striking reminder of how quickly an unruly passenger situation can escalate at 35,000 feet—and how fellow passengers and crew may have to act to keep control of the cabin.
All allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.
