BALTIMORE- An American Airlines (AA) passenger was arrested after an alleged midair disturbance forced the aircraft to divert to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on September 3.
The 67-year-old man was restrained with duct tape and zip ties before Maryland authorities took him into custody.
American Airlines flight AA618 was operating from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) when the incident occurred. Flight-tracking data confirms that the Boeing 737-800 diverted to Baltimore before continuing to Newark.
American Airlines’ Passenger restrained
Authorities identified the passenger as Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police said officers found him restrained to his seat with duct tape, while his hands had been secured with zip ties.
Two passengers, Juan Mejia and Richard Olenick, told ABC News that they became involved after the man allegedly grew increasingly disruptive during the flight.
Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, said the passenger was making offensive remarks toward crew members and other travelers.
The passengers said Lundeen eventually became physical, prompting them to intervene and restrain him. They said their intention was to control the situation and prevent it from escalating while the aircraft remained in the air.
Flight diverts to BWI
The disturbance occurred roughly three-quarters of the way through the flight, according to the passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft diverted to Baltimore at around 10:15 p.m., allowing law enforcement officers to respond after landing.
Flight records show AA618, operated by a Boeing 737-800, diverted from its scheduled Dallas-Newark routing to BWI before departing Baltimore for Newark later that night, ABC News reported.
The aircraft arrived in Newark after the unscheduled stop, allowing the service to continue after Lundeen was removed.
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police charged Lundeen with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault for incidents that occurred aboard the aircraft at BWI.
FBI Investigates the Incident
The FBI is investigating the reported conduct that occurred during the flight. Federal authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges will follow as the investigation continues.
Police said Lundeen was cleared by paramedics after officers noticed an open wound on his arm while taking him into custody. The circumstances surrounding the injury were not detailed in the available statements.
American Airlines said the safety and security of its customers and employees remain its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.
The airline did not provide further details about the alleged confrontation but confirmed that the disruptive passenger was removed and the flight continued to Newark.
The incident adds another case of serious unruly passenger behavior requiring an aircraft diversion and law enforcement intervention in the United States.
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