American Airlines passenger duct-taped after alleged outburst, says he does not recall incident
A 67-year-old man was restrained with duct tape and zip ties on a flight that was diverted to Baltimore, then arrested on assault and disorderly-conduct charges; he told a court he does not remember the episode.
A 67-year-old American Airlines passenger was secured to his first-class seat with duct tape and zip ties after crew members reported he used racial and homophobic slurs and attempted to strike other passengers. The flight, traveling from Dallas to Newark, made an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport on Sept. 3, where authorities arrested the man and charged him with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
During a hearing the next day, the passenger, identified as Layne Lundeen, told the court, > "I don’t remember any of what happened," after the charges were read. He also expressed confusion about the allegations, saying, > "I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says? I don’t have my glasses."
Other passengers who assisted in restraining Lundeen described his behavior as verbally abusive and physically resistant. Former law-enforcement officer Juan Mejia said Lundeen made derogatory remarks toward airline staff and other travelers, including racial slurs. Passenger Richard Olenick said Lundeen tried to strike the person next to him and a woman who intervened, and that the duct tape limited his movement but did not stop his resistance.
American Airlines issued a statement emphasizing that safety and security are top priorities and that the airline does not tolerate violence. The airline thanked its crew for professionalism and passengers for their understanding. Lundeen’s former employer, Long Realty in Tucson, announced it had ended its affiliation with him.