Layne Lundeen, 67, has been charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct after he was allegedly duct-taped to his seat on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark, New Jersey
An airline passenger who was restrained to his seat with duct tape and cable ties has finally spoken out about the incident.
Layne Lundeen has faced court in Annapolis following the episode on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark, New Jersey on September 3. He is said to have caused the plane to make an unplanned landing at Baltimore-Washington International Airport midway through the journey.
The 67 year old now faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Prosecutors allege that a distressed Mr Lundeen hurled obscenities, disturbed sleeping passengers on the flight, and attacked a police officer when he was removed from the aircraft, according to the Baltimore Banner.
During the court hearing, Mr Lundeen, from Tucson, Arizona, responded to the charges.
“I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says?” Lundeen queried. “I don’t have my glasses.”
Upon District Court Commissioner George Haag reading the allegations to Mr Lundeen, the defendant replied: “Oh my God. What a mess. I don’t remember any of it.”
He confessed to consuming two screwdriver cocktails onboard and could not recall specifics of the incident.
It’s claimed Mr Lundeen began shouting obscenities and antisemitic comments after conversing with Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, who was seated next to him.
Following a scuffle, two men seated further forward restrained Mr Lundeen using duct tape and cable ties, Mr Cahn revealed in an interview with the Banner.
Mr Lundeen, a father, was reportedly en route to New Jersey to assist his daughter with moving flats. He has since been let go from his position as a managing partner at Long Realty in Tuscon, according to various reports.
He is now due to stand trial on 19 October in the District Court of Maryland in Glen Burie.
Before his initial court hearing concluded on Wednesday (September 16), Mr Haag informed Mr Lundeen, “You are in Annapolis right now. So you’re in the state capital.
“How far am I from New York City?” Lundeen queried.
“That depends on mode of transportation and traffic,” Haag responded, “but at least a few hours.”