An American Airlines flight was forced into an emergency landing Thursday evening after an unhinged passenger was duct-taped to his seat after a racist, sexist meltdown, according to multiple reports.
The raging flyer, identified as 67-year-old Arthur Layne Lundeen, allegedly hurled the N-word and anti-gay slurs at flight attendants and unloaded a series of “very offensive” remarks at female passengers, eyewitnesses told ABC News.
Fellow passenger Richard O’Lenick told NJ.com that Lundeen made statements about Jesus and said the plane was going to crash, then struck a pastor seated next to him and a woman who intervened. Witnesses said Lundeen had been served at least one drink.
That prompted O’Lenick and his coworker Juan Mejia, a retired Weehawken police officer, to step in. According to the New York Times, Lundeen bit Mejia’s hand before a flight attendant handed over the tape that Mejia wrapped around the man’s body, seat and head.
Shocking footage shows Lundeen’s head, hands and torso duct-taped to the chair and his wrists bound together.
The Dallas-to-Newark flight was diverted to Baltimore, where Lundeen was hauled off the plane and arrested before passengers could continue on to their destination, according to the New York Post.
Lundeen was charged with misdemeanor second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, while the real estate agent’s employer, Long Realty, cut ties in a statement.
“Long Realty is aware of reports concerning criminal charges filed against a former affiliated real estate agent arising from an incident that allegedly occurred during a commercial flight.
“Upon learning of the incident, Long Realty promptly ended its affiliation with the individual. The individual is no longer associated with or authorized to represent Long Realty in any capacity.
“The conduct described in the reports is wholly inconsistent with the professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect for others that Long Realty expects from those affiliated with the company. We expect those associated with our company to uphold those values, and we have no tolerance for conduct that so clearly falls short of those expectations. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew members, and others affected by this incident.”
Federal authorities are now weighing whether to file additional charges.
“The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed,” the bureau said in a statement.
Lundeen was released on his own recognizance on Sept. 4 and waived an attorney at his initial appearance, court records show. His trial is set for Oct. 19 in Anne Arundel County District Court. The charges are allegations and he is presumed innocent.
