An Arizona estate agent who was restrained with duct tape during an alleged mid-flight outburst has said he does not remember what happened before his arrest in Maryland.
Layne Lundeen, 67, was travelling from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, earlier this month when passengers allegedly intervened after he launched into a racist and homophobic tirade.
The American Airlines flight was diverted to Baltimore, where Lundeen was arrested. He later appeared in court charged with two counts of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
During the proceedings, Lundeen appeared confused as the accusations were read to him. After putting on his glasses to examine the charges, he said: “Oh my God. What a mess. I don’t remember any of it.”
When told that one allegation involved assaulting a police officer, he replied: “I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says?”
Lundeen told the judge he had been flying to help one of his daughters move into a new apartment and celebrate her birthday.
“I came to New York City. I don’t know how I got to Maryland. I was supposed to land in New Jersey,” he said. “I got a double whammy for my trip, now it’s a triple whammy.”
He was released and ordered to stay away from drugs and alcohol. His trial is scheduled for October 19, according to court records.
Passengers restrained him with duct tape
Lundeen had been seated beside Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, an author known for linking biblical prophecy to current events. Cahn said the pair had been discussing their religious beliefs before Lundeen allegedly became enraged.
Cahn alleged that Lundeen grabbed him by the throat, struck him and damaged his laptop. He said Lundeen had been drinking and became angry while they discussed Christianity and divorce.
According to Cahn, Lundeen began swearing at him and God after appearing to change suddenly. Cahn said he tried to end the conversation by working on his laptop, but Lundeen allegedly knocked on the screen and attempted to draw him back into the exchange.
Cahn also alleged that Lundeen struck his chest and abdomen before threatening him. During a struggle over the laptop, he said it was broken and his already injured arm was hurt.
Cahn said he could not specifically confirm whether Lundeen had used the alleged racial slur or made homophobic remarks, although he claimed to have heard a vulgar comment about a male flight attendant’s genitals.
He alleged that Lundeen later placed both hands around his neck and pushed him backwards and forwards. Cahn then moved seats as the flight continued towards Baltimore.
Retired police officer Juan Mejia and store manager Richard O’Lenick reportedly helped restrain Lundeen with duct tape around his wrists, head and body. Passengers held him down when he allegedly tried to break free.
Following the incident, Lundeen was dismissed from Long Realty in Tucson, where he was reportedly a vice-president. Cahn said he provided his contact details to FBI agents who boarded the aircraft after it landed, but had not heard from them.
