A 67-year-old passenger who was restrained with duct tape and zip ties following an alleged outburst on an American Airlines flight has been fired by an Arizona real estate company. Arthur Layne Lundeen, a former vice president and affiliated real estate agent at Tucson-based Long Realty, was dismissed after the company learned of the criminal charges arising from the incident.
Long Realty confirmed that it had ended its affiliation with Lundeen after learning about the incident aboard the commercial flight. The company described the charges as concerning and noted that Lundeen was no longer associated with or authorised to represent the firm. It also stated that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with the standards of professionalism, integrity, compassion and respect expected from people affiliated with the company.
The incident occurred Thursday night aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was travelling from Dallas to Newark. According to witnesses, Lundeen allegedly became increasingly aggressive toward crew members and fellow passengers near the end of the flight. Witnesses reported that he used racial slurs and vulgar language while directing derogatory remarks at airline staff and passengers.
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Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer travelling with his friend Richard Olenick, told ABC News that Lundeen was seated two rows behind them and that his behaviour escalated during the flight. Olenick reported that Mejia intervened after the situation intensified, while a flight attendant also attempted to manage the disturbance. Lundeen was allegedly involved in an altercation with nearby passengers before he was restrained.
The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore because of what American Airlines described as a “disruptive customer”. Lundeen was removed from the plane and arrested after landing, while the other passengers were able to continue their journey to Newark. Photos from the incident showed him restrained in his seat with duct tape and his wrists secured.
The FBI confirmed that Lundeen was arrested by Maryland Transportation Police. Court records indicate that he faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. The FBI is conducting interviews and is expected to consult the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland regarding whether federal charges will be filed.
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