Man arrested after being restrained on American Airlines flight that diverted to Baltimore
A 67-year-old passenger was detained by Maryland police after a mid-flight disturbance on American Airlines Flight AA 618 led to the aircraft’s diversion to Baltimore, where he was charged with disorderly conduct and assault.
A 67-year-old Arizona man was taken into custody by Maryland Transportation Authority Police after a disturbance on American Airlines Flight AA 618 forced the aircraft to divert to Baltimore Washington International Airport on Thursday night. The flight had departed Dallas for Newark when the passenger became disruptive, prompting crew and other travelers to intervene.
According to a former law-enforcement passenger, the man began using vulgar language and racial slurs toward crew and other passengers. Two fellow travelers, Juan Mejia and Richard Olenick, said they helped restrain the individual, using zip ties on his hands and duct tape on his seat, to prevent further escalation.
"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," Mejia said.
The plane landed at Baltimore around 10:15 p.m., where authorities removed the passenger. He was later charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault. American Airlines said the flight continued to Newark after the incident, and the FBI is conducting an ongoing investigation.
"The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence," the airline said.