An Arizona real estate agency has terminated one of its agents after he was identified as the passenger who was restrained with duct tape and zip ties following an alleged midflight outburst aboard an American Airlines flight.
Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, was traveling on American Airlines Flight 618 on September 3 when the flight was forced to divert following what was described as an in-flight meltdown involving an unruly passenger.
Lundeen, an Arizona native, was employed by Long Realty, a Tucson-based real estate brokerage. The company announced on social media on Sunday, September 6, that it had ended his employment following the incident.
Passenger restrained after alleged outburst
Flight 618 had departed from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and was headed to Newark when the incident unfolded.
According to reports, Lundeen allegedly began yelling during the flight and directed offensive language toward a Black flight attendant. The situation reportedly escalated when he allegedly struck a passenger seated nearby and damaged the passenger’s laptop.
Following the confrontation, fellow passengers restrained Lundeen in his seat using duct tape, while his hands were secured with zip ties. Flight attendants reportedly provided the duct tape used during the restraint.
The dramatic incident later surfaced online, drawing widespread attention after images and reports of the passenger being taped to his seat circulated on social media.
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Arrest and charges
After the flight was diverted, Lundeen was arrested by Maryland Transportation Authority Police. He was detained on suspicion of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
American Airlines said the flight eventually continued to Newark after the incident was dealt with.
Lundeen was later released without posting bail after agreeing to appear in court. His next legal proceeding is scheduled for October 19, 2026.
The case has also had professional consequences for the 67-year-old, with Long Realty confirming that he is no longer employed by the company.
The incident highlights the serious consequences that can follow disruptive behavior aboard commercial aircraft, where conflicts can quickly escalate and affect passengers, crew members and flight operations.
Authorities are expected to address the allegations through the court process, while the circumstances surrounding the onboard confrontation remain subject to the ongoing legal proceedings.
