American Flight Diverted After Passenger Assaults Others

American Airlines Flight 618 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore on Sept. 3 after 67-year-old Arizona real estate agent Layne Arthur Lundeen allegedly became belligerent, used racist and homophobic slurs, and assaulted or threatened fellow passengers and crew. Passengers and flight attendants restrained Lundeen with zip ties and duct tape until the aircraft landed; witnesses described biting, attempted choking and other violence during the struggle. Maryland Transportation Police arrested him, and he faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct while the FBI considers whether federal charges are appropriate. The flight continued to Newark after Lundeen was removed, and American Airlines praised the crew and passengers and said it does not tolerate violence. Long Realty ended its affiliation with Lundeen, who was reportedly released on his own recognizance with a trial scheduled for Oct. 19.