Arthur Lundeen was restrained with duct tape and zip ties on a passenger duct-taped plane after American Airlines flight AA 618 diverted from Dallas to Baltimore on Thursday night. Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen after the plane reached Baltimore Washington International Airport, and the flight then continued to Newark.
AA 618 diverts to Baltimore
The flight had taken off from Dallas and was heading to Newark when the disturbance developed about three quarters of the way into the trip. The plane diverted to Baltimore Washington International Airport around 10:15 p.m., ending the in-flight confrontation with Lundeen still on board until officers removed him after landing.
American Airlines said, “The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence,” a statement that followed the arrest and the unscheduled landing.
Juan Mejia joined the restraint
Juan Mejia, a passenger and former law enforcement officer, said to that “[The] gentleman sitting two rows behind us started becoming belligerent, making derogatory remarks to the staff of American Airlines and other passengers, racial slurs, vulgar language, very offensive to the women.” Richard Olenick said to, “Juan immediately knew that action had to be taken. He got up right away and jumped in the seat right next to the passenger and began working on restraining him in order to keep the situation contained,” describing how Mejia moved immediately to help hold Lundeen in place.
Mejia said to after the plane landed, “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,” while officers later noticed an open wound on Lundeen’s arm and paramedics cleared him at the airport.
FBI investigation continues
Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen on disorderly conduct and second-degree assault charges for incidents that occurred aboard the aircraft at BWI Airport. The FBI said the investigation is ongoing, leaving the agency’s next step tied to the arrest and the events that unfolded before the plane resumed its trip to Newark.
