MARYLAND (WBFF) — A 67-year-old Arizona man was arrested after an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport following a reported disturbance involving a passenger who was allegedly violent and used racist and anti-gay slurs.
Arthur Lundeen is facing state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, according to police.
The FBI’s Baltimore field office is also investigating the incident and consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine whether Lundeen could face federal charges. The FAA is also investigating.
American Airlines Flight 618 departed Dallas and was scheduled to land in Newark, New Jersey, but was diverted to BWI after Lundeen allegedly became disruptive.
The flight landed at BWI around 10:15 p.m. Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded to the gate and arrested Lundeen.
Images and video obtained by TMZ show a man restrained to an airplane seat with duct tape wrapped around his entire body all the way up from his head, and down his torso. Cuts could also be seen on his arms. The footage also shows what appear to be flight attendants with duct tape and zip ties as several people restrain the man.
According to reports, Lundeen allegedly made racist remarks and anti-gay slurs, became violent and used profanities during the flight.
Passengers at BWI on Friday said they were shocked by the images.
“That’s crazy. I’ve never seen something like that. I would be scared if that person was on my flight,” BWI passenger Kaunain Hashmi said.
Another passenger, Jeff Vogel, said he had heard of unruly passengers being restrained on flights but had never experienced anything similar.
“Most of the flights I’ve been on have been pretty calm,” Vogel said. “But I’ve heard of flights where people are quite unruly and they have had to restrain people with zip ties and tape and all sorts of things.”
Jim Lucken said he was glad other passengers and crew members were able to restrain the man.
“It sounds like the passengers got together and helped stewardesses restrain him,” Lucken said. “The individual, can’t do any damage to anyone.”
In a statement, American Airlines said the safety and security of its customers and team members is its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.
“On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer. Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding,” said the airline.
According to court records, Lundeen was released on bail on his own recognizance. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 19 in Glen Burnie.
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