Passenger Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, was restrained to his seat with tape after allegedly causing mayhem on an American Airlines flight on Thursday
The identity of the viral duct-taped passenger who was arrested for alleged unruly behaviour on an American Airlines flight has been revealed.
After causing the plane to divert to Baltimore, US, on Thursday night (September 3), Lyne Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona, was arrested by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police upon landing.
Lundeen was restrained to his seat with duct tape and his hands were zip tied after he went on an alleged booze-fuelled rant during the flight from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey.
Pictures and videos of the bizarre incident have been circulating on social media. Lundeen had triggered an emergency diversion of American Airlines Flight 618 after he allegedly called a flight attendant the N-word and made anti-gay slurs.
Lundeen’s LinkedIn profile previously listed him as a vice president at Long Realty in Tucson, but it has since been removed.
He had worked for Long Realty as a real estate agent but has since been dismissed. The company later confirmed in a statement posted on its Facebook page that Lundeen was no longer employed there, Fox 8 Live reported.
“Long Realty is aware of reports concerning criminal charges filed against a former affiliated real estate agent arising from an incident that allegedly occurred during a commercial flight,” the firm wrote. “Upon learning of the incident, Long Realty promptly ended its affiliation with the individual.”
It continued: “The individual is no longer associated with or authorized to represent Long Realty in any capacity. The conduct described in the reports is wholly inconsistent with the professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect for others that Long Realty expects from those affiliated with the company.
“We expect those associated with our company to uphold those values, and we have no tolerance for conduct that so clearly falls short of those expectations. Our focus remains on serving our clients and community in accordance with our values.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew members and others affected by this incident.”
Reports allege Lundeen – who fellow passengers said appeared to be drunk – started to shout at other flyers beside him about Jesus and going to hell.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation turned violent – with Lundeen allegedly assaulting another passenger, smashing his laptop, and launching both racial and homophobic slurs. Reports also allege he pushed a female passenger and tried to bite two others.
Its then claimed a flight attendant handed two passengers duct tape, which was reportedly used to tied him up.
American Airlines said: “The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,’ a spokesperson said.
“We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”
Lundeen was taken into custody on state charges.
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