An Arizona estate agent who was allegedly involved in a violent outburst on an American Airlines flight has been dismissed by his Tucson employer after passengers restrained him with cable ties and duct tape.
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, was arrested after Flight AA618, travelling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark, was diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Airport on September 3. He faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. ([www-cdn.abcnews.com](https://www-cdn.abcnews.com/amp/US/unruly-passenger-arrested-after-restrained-duct-tape-flight/story?id=136214947))
Arizona estate agent duct-taped to plane seat
Maryland Transportation Authority Police said officers found Lundeen secured to his seat when they boarded the aircraft at about 10.15pm. His hands had been restrained with cable ties, while duct tape had been wrapped around his body.
Police said he was arrested and later assessed by paramedics after officers noticed an open wound on his arm. He was released on his own recognisance the following day, and a court hearing is scheduled for October 19 in Glen Burnie, Maryland. ([www-cdn.abcnews.com](https://www-cdn.abcnews.com/amp/US/unruly-passenger-arrested-after-restrained-duct-tape-flight/story?id=136214947))
The incident began roughly two hours into the flight, according to passengers. Richard Olenick, who was travelling home from a work convention with retired police officer Juan Mejia, said the cabin had been calm before Lundeen began shouting profanities and slurs at a flight attendant.
Witnesses told investigators that the confrontation then became physical. Lundeen is alleged to have grabbed the passenger beside him by the neck, while a woman who intervened was struck.
Mejia and Olenick stepped in as the aircraft crew attempted to contain the disturbance. Mejia pulled the passenger being attacked away, while Olenick helped hold Lundeen down between the seats.
“When you’re on a plane, it’s different than when you are on the ground, you can’t retreat, there’s not a lot of options,” Olenick said.
Mejia suffered visible bite marks during the struggle. Flight attendants supplied cable ties and rolls of duct tape, which were used to restrain Lundeen’s arms, chest and head. Mejia reportedly declined a suggestion to cover Lundeen’s mouth, citing concerns about obstructing his airway.
“We weren’t looking to hurt this individual; we were looking more to restrain him and control him, so it didn’t escalate to go any further,” Mejia told ABC News. ([www-cdn.abcnews.com](https://www-cdn.abcnews.com/amp/US/unruly-passenger-arrested-after-restrained-duct-tape-flight/story?id=136214947))
Olenick said he was left covered in blood from cuts sustained during the struggle, but hoped Lundeen would receive help. “I truly hope this gentleman gets the help that he needs,” he said.
Long Realty said it had ended its relationship with Lundeen after learning of the arrest, describing the alleged behaviour as incompatible with the professionalism, integrity, compassion and respect expected from its staff.
American Airlines said the flight continued to Newark after Lundeen was removed. The airline added that the safety and security of its customers and crew were its highest priority and that it did not tolerate violence. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://fox10phoenix.com/news/duct-tape-emerican-airlines))
The FBI is interviewing witnesses and consulting the US attorney’s office over whether federal charges should be brought. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating the disruption. ([www-cdn.abcnews.com](https://www-cdn.abcnews.com/amp/US/unruly-passenger-arrested-after-restrained-duct-tape-flight/story?id=136214947))
