A disruptive American Airlines passenger who was allegedly restrained with duct tape after an alcohol-fueled outburst on a flight from Dallas to Newark has been identified as a 67-year-old Arizona realtor.
Layne Arthur Lundeen, who reportedly worked in Tucson’s real estate industry, was removed from American Airlines Flight 618 after the aircraft was diverted to Baltimore on Thursday night.
Passenger Allegedly Unleashed Racist and Homophobic Tirade
The incident reportedly erupted when the flight was about three-quarters of the way through its journey.
Passengers said Lundeen appeared to be intoxicated when he began shouting at the male passenger seated beside him at around 10pm.
According to reports, his outburst included references to Jesus and going to hell before the situation rapidly escalated.
A flight attendant reportedly intervened after hearing the commotion.
Lundeen allegedly directed a racial slur at the Black crew member and also made homophobic remarks.
The confrontation then became physical, with a female passenger reportedly attempting to intervene before Lundeen allegedly pushed her.
Fellow Passengers Were Forced to Restrain Him
Three male passengers reportedly stepped in as the disturbance intensified.
Lundeen allegedly bit one of the men and attempted to bite another, according to reports.
Juan Mejia, a retired police officer who was aboard the flight, described the sudden escalation as a dramatic change from the previously quiet journey.
Mejia said he turned around after hearing the commotion and saw Lundeen allegedly holding the passenger beside him around the neck.
Mejia and fellow passenger Richard Olenick, who were seated two rows ahead, then moved to assist.
Duct Tape Used to Secure the 67-Year-Old
A flight attendant reportedly provided duct tape to the passengers, who used it to restrain Lundeen in his first-class seat.
The adhesive was reportedly wrapped around his wrists, head and body as the men attempted to prevent him from breaking free.
When Lundeen allegedly tried to escape the restraints, passengers continued holding him down.
The extraordinary scene continued until the plane reached Baltimore, where authorities removed Lundeen from the aircraft.
The remaining passengers were then able to continue their journey to Newark.
Tucson Real Estate Company Ends His Affiliation
Lundeen has reportedly lived in the Tucson area since the 1980s and was associated with Long Realty, where he was described as a vice president.
The company has since confirmed that he is no longer affiliated with the firm.
Long Realty CEO Kevin Kaplan said the company acted promptly after learning about the incident and stressed that the alleged behavior did not reflect the standards expected of people associated with the business.
The company said Lundeen is no longer authorized to represent Long Realty in any capacity.
Police Took Lundeen Into Custody
Lundeen was taken into custody on state charges following the incident.
Federal charges could also potentially be pursued, according to reports.
The circumstances of the case remain subject to the legal process, and the allegations against Lundeen have not been established as facts in court.
American Airlines Defends Crew Response
American Airlines confirmed that Flight 618 was diverted because of what it described as a “disruptive customer.”
The airline said the safety and security of its passengers and employees remained its highest priority and emphasized that it does not tolerate violence.
The airline also thanked its crew for their professionalism during the incident and passengers for their understanding as the flight was diverted.
