An AI model extracted claims from the linked sources so you can compare coverage. How this works →
Passenger arrested after being restrained with duct tape during American Airlines flight
A 67-year-old man was arrested after he became disruptive on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark, leading to the aircraft being diverted to Baltimore. The man was restrained by passengers and crew using zip ties and duct tape before being taken into custody on state charges.
By Tertius News AI Desk17 outlets · 24 publishers · 26 articlesCoverage Published v16
Incident Overview
A passenger on American Airlines Flight 618 was arrested after becoming disruptive aboard the aircraft, forcing the flight to divert to Baltimore on the night of September 3. The man, identified by authorities as Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, was restrained to his seat with duct tape and his hands secured with zip ties, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
The flight, traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport, was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after the crew reported a passenger disturbance to the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft landed safely in Baltimore at about 10:15 p.m. local time, the FAA said. After Lundeen was removed by law enforcement, the flight continued to its original destination.
Passenger Accounts
Witnesses described a rapid escalation that began roughly two hours into the flight. Richard Olenick and Juan Mejia, both passengers seated two rows ahead of Lundeen in the first-class section, told multiple outlets they first noticed the man becoming belligerent.
According to Olenick, a flight attendant attempted to calm the situation, but Lundeen became increasingly agitated, struck the passenger next to him, and then hit a woman who tried to intervene. Olenick also told CBS News that Lundeen used racial and homophobic slurs, including directing a racial slur at a flight attendant.
Restraint and Intervention
A flight attendant provided Olenick, Mejia, and a third passenger with a zip tie, which they used to restrain Lundeen's wrists. When Lundeen bit Mejia and attempted to bite Olenick, the men began using duct tape provided by a flight attendant to further secure him, according to both passengers. Olenick said they deliberately avoided covering Lundeen's mouth to ensure he could breathe.
For the next 15 minutes, Olenick sat on the restrained passenger's lap to keep him in place until the plane landed. Maryland Transportation Authority Police boarded the aircraft upon arrival and found the suspect "restrained to his seat by duct tape and his hands secured by zip ties," according to the police.
Charges and Investigation
Lundeen was arrested by Maryland Transportation Authority Police and charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault. An FBI statement confirmed that the passenger was taken into custody on state charges. The FBI's Baltimore field office is investigating the matter and checking with the U.S. Attorney's Office about the possibility of federal charges, according to the Hindustan Times.
Court records cited by The Straits Times indicated Lundeen waived his right to a lawyer at an initial court appearance on September 4 and was released on his own recognizance. Authorities did not provide details of what may have precipitated the outburst, and no cause has been identified.
Some witnesses reported that Lundeen appeared drunk, and a flight attendant told Mejia that the man had been given only one alcoholic drink. Lundeen was cleared by paramedics for an open wound on his arm noticed by officers during custody, ABC News reported.
The FAA has reported more than 1,160 unruly passenger incidents so far this year, according to the agency. In a 2021 incident, a passenger on an American Airlines flight was also restrained with duct tape after attempting to force open a cockpit door, according to reports from The Straits Times.
How each outlet told it
A framing line is our reading of that outlet's own text — an interpretation, not a quotation and not a fact we assert. Check it against what the outlet published.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the extraordinary measure of duct-taping a passenger to a first-class seat during an emergency landing. — descriptive and matter-of-fact
Facts Included:
A disruptive passenger was restrained with flexible handcuffs and duct-taped to a seat on a flight diverted to Baltimore on Thursday night.
Richard Olenick and Juan Mejia were more than halfway through the flight when a man two rows behind them in first class became belligerent.
American Airlines Flight 618 was traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark when the crew reported the passenger disturbance.
The man hit the passenger next to him and then hit a woman who tried to intervene.
The man used racial and homophobic slurs, according to Olenick and Mejia.
A flight attendant gave Olenick, Mejia, and a third person a ziptie to restrain the man's wrists.
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested one man on state charges after the plane landed at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
After the passenger was removed, the flight continued to Newark.
The FAA reported more than 1,160 unruly passenger incidents this year.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the dramatic act of restraining the passenger with duct tape, highlighting the midair outburst. — dramatic and descriptive
Facts Included:
A passenger on an American Airlines flight was restrained to his seat with duct tape and zip ties after a midair outburst, forcing the plane to be diverted.
The flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark, New Jersey, had to make an unexpected stop in Baltimore late Thursday night due to the unidentified disruptive passenger who witnesses said was putting others at risk.
The man was allegedly screaming racial and homophobic slurs during the outburst, according to TMZ.
Witnesses said the chaos erupted about two hours into the flight, when the man began yelling at a male passenger next to him.
According to TMZ, the man was screaming about Jesus and going to hell, prompting a flight attendant to walk over and attempt to calm the situation.
The man called the flight attendant, who is Black, a racial slur and also shouted anti-gay remarks, according to the outlet.
The man also reportedly became violent as he hit the passenger next to him.
A female passenger jumped in to help, but the man pushed her, leading to three other male passengers stepping in, the outlet reported.
Juan Mejia told CBS Texas that he turned around to look and the man had his hands around the neck of the passenger sitting next to him.
Flight attendants handed duct tape and zip ties to the three male passengers, who restrained the unruly man to his seat as he attempted to break free.
American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where law enforcement took the man into custody.
American Airlines said in a statement to Fox News Digital: "On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer."
The airline statement added: "Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination."
The FBI said that the Maryland Transportation Police arrested and booked the man on state charges.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the dramatic action of duct-taping a disruptive passenger to a seat during an emergency landing. — factual with elements of concern
Facts Included:
A disruptive passenger was restrained with flexible handcuffs and duct-taped to a seat on American Airlines Flight 618.
The flight was diverted to Baltimore and made an emergency landing Thursday night.
American Airlines Flight 618 was traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark.
The crew reported the passenger disturbance to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The man hit the passenger next to him and hit a woman who tried to intervene.
The man used racial and homophobic slurs.
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police met the plane and arrested one man on state charges.
More than 1,160 unruly passenger incidents have been reported this year, according to the FAA.
Flexible handcuffs and duct tape are common on planes for restraining violent passengers.
Framing: Emphasizes the reactive action of restraining the passenger with duct tape and the subsequent arrest.
Facts Included:
Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona, was arrested for alleged unruly behavior on American Airlines flight AA 618 causing it to divert to Baltimore on Thursday night.
Lundeen was restrained to his seat with duct tape and his hands with zip ties, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
The incident occurred on flight AA 618, which took off from Dallas and was en route to Newark, according to the FBI and the airline.
Passenger Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, told ABC he began hearing a disturbance about three quarters of the way into the flight.
Mejia said the man was making derogatory remarks, racial slurs, vulgar language, and was very offensive to women.
Authorities did not provide details of the disruption, but the plane diverted to Baltimore Washington International Airport around 10:15, the FAA said.
Mejia said, 'We weren't looking to hurt this individual; we were looking more to restrain him and control him.'
Lundeen was cleared by paramedics for an open wound on his arm noticed by officers during custody.
American Airlines stated safety is top priority and they do not tolerate violence.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the restraining method (taped to seat) and the alleged unruly behavior as the cause. — Measured, factual reporting of the incident.
Facts Included:
Arthur Lundeen, 67, was allegedly making derogatory remarks toward flight staff and other passengers before becoming violent aboard the flight, which departed Dallas bound for Newark Thursday night.
Lundeen was restrained to his seat with duct tape, and his hands were restrained with zip ties, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
The two passengers said they stayed with Lundeen until law enforcement officials boarded the plane and took him into custody after the plane landed in Baltimore.
AA says the flight was diverted “due to a disruptive customer.”
Framing: The headline emphasizes the passenger being duct-taped to his seat and the alleged attempt to bite flyers. — Dramatic and factual
Facts Included:
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark was reportedly duct-taped to his seat after an alleged violent outburst.
Witnesses claimed he attacked a fellow traveller and destroyed a laptop, causing the flight to be diverted.
The traveller appeared intoxicated when he began shouting at his fellow passenger sitting beside him.
The man allegedly assaulted another passenger, smashed his laptop, and launched both racial and homophobic slurs.
The man allegedly pushed a female passenger and tried to bite two others.
Juan Mejia, a retired police officer on board the flight, recalled the incident.
Mr Mejia and another passenger stepped in to restrain the aggressive traveller.
Flight attendants supplied duct tape, which was apparently used to secure his wrists, head and torso to his seat.
The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, landing roughly 15 minutes later.
Local authorities arrested the passenger upon arrival, while the FBI is reportedly weighing up federal charges, according to TMZ.
American Airlines confirmed the flight had been rerouted due to a 'disruptive customer'.
After the passenger was taken off, the plane continued its journey to Newark.
A spokesperson from American Airlines stated: 'The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence.'
Framing: The headline emphasizes the passenger being duct-taped to his seat and the mid-air panic caused by a violent tirade.
Facts Included:
The flight was from Dallas to Newark and diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The passenger reportedly seemed inebriated and started screaming at a fellow passenger.
The passenger allegedly attacked another passenger, destroyed his laptop, and hurled racial and homophobic abuse.
Juan Mejia, a retired police officer aboard the flight, recalled the incident turning from quiet to yelling and chaos.
Mejia and another passenger intervened to subdue the aggressive traveller.
Local police arrested the passenger upon landing; the FBI is reportedly considering federal charges.
American Airlines acknowledged the diversion due to a 'disruptive customer'.
The aircraft resumed its journey to Newark after the passenger's removal.
An American Airlines representative said, 'The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence.'
Framing: Emphasizes the passenger being duct-taped to the seat after a violent outburst and the resulting Baltimore diversion, with a call to video content. — Alarmed and factual, with emphasis on the violent nature of the incident.
Facts Included:
An American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore late Thursday after a passenger allegedly became violent.
American Airlines confirmed that the unscheduled stop was made because of a disruptive passenger.
Passengers Juan Mejia and Richard Olenick were seated close to the passenger and witnessed the incident.
Mejia said the passenger allegedly attacked the person seated beside him.
Crew provided zip ties to help restrain the passenger, and duct tape was subsequently used to further secure him to his seat.
A photograph shared by Olenick showed the man restrained with several layers of tape around his arms and torso.
Witnesses said the passenger directed a racial slur at a flight attendant and made homophobic comments.
The pilots diverted the plane to Baltimore; law enforcement took the passenger into custody.
American Airlines said passenger and crew safety is its highest priority and that it does not tolerate violence.
The FBI confirmed the passenger is in custody on state charges while federal authorities investigate.
Framing: The headline focuses on identifying the man, Arthur Lundeen, highlighting his racist outburst and the viral photo of him duct-taped to his seat. — matter-of-fact with a hint of sensationalism
Facts Included:
A passenger was strapped to his seat after making racist and anti-LGBT remarks.
Lundeen allegedly screamed about Jesus & going to hell, called a Black flight attendant the N-word, used the F-slur, then became violent, hitting another passenger and striking their computer.
Passenger Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement official, told ABC News that he heard a disturbance about three-quarters into the flight time.
Mejia and Richard Olenick, another passenger, reportedly intervened when Lundeen got physical.
BWI passenger Kaunain Hashmi said to Fox Baltimore, 'That's crazy. I've never seen something like that. I would be scared if that person was on my flight.'
Passenger Jeff Vogel added, 'Most of the flights I've been on have been pretty calm. But I've heard of flights where people are quite unruly and they have had to restrain people with zip ties and tape and all sorts of things.'
The FBI's Baltimore field office is investigating the matter and checking with the U.S. Attorney's Office to see if Lundeen could face federal charges.
American Airlines in a statement said: 'On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer. Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.'
Framing: Emphasizes the physical restraint of the passenger, focusing on the act of being taped to a seat after a violent outburst. — Alarmed and dramatic, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
Facts Included:
Passenger was duct-taped to his seat on an American Airlines flight.
Flight was from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey.
Passenger allegedly shouted at a fellow traveller, attacked a passenger, destroyed a laptop, and hurled racial and homophobic abuse.
Passenger allegedly shoved a female passenger and attempted to bite two others.
Juan Mejia, a retired police officer, was travelling on the flight and recounted the incident.
Mejia and a fellow passenger intervened to subdue the disruptive traveller.
Flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, landing approximately 15 minutes later.
Local police arrested the passenger upon landing; FBI is reportedly considering federal charges, according to TMZ.
American Airlines confirmed the flight was diverted owing to a 'disruptive customer'.
American Airlines spokesperson stated: "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence."
Framing: The headline emphasizes the dramatic action of the passenger being duct-taped to his seat after an airborne rampage. — Measured and factual, with sympathetic treatment of the passengers who intervened.
Facts Included:
A passenger on American Airlines flight 618 was zip-tied and duct-taped to his seat after becoming violent and embarking on a racist rant, forcing a detour landing.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) confirmed it was investigating after flight 618 landed at Baltimore on September 3 following a crew report of a passenger disturbance.
The flight was originally headed from Dallas, Texas, to Newark.
Richard Olenick and Juan Mejia were more than halfway through the flight when a man two rows behind in first class started to become belligerent.
A flight attendant tried to control the situation but the man got increasingly agitated, started to hit the passenger next to him and then hit a woman who tried to intervene.
The man used racial and homophobic slurs, according to Olenick and Mejia.
A flight attendant gave Olenick, Mejia and a third person a zip tie, which they used to restrain the man's wrists.
The man bit Mejia and attempted to bite Olenick, prompting the three men to use duct tape from a flight attendant to restrain him.
American Airlines said in a statement: "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence."
For the next 15 minutes, Olenick sat on the restrained passenger's lap until the plane made its emergency landing in Maryland.
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police met the plane after it landed at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and arrested one man on state charges, per an FBI statement.
After the passenger was removed, the flight continued on its way to Newark.
Duct tape and zip ties are found on many commercial planes for use in restraining violent or disruptive passengers.
In 2024, a passenger who tried to force open a door and injured a flight attendant was duct-taped to his seat.
There have been more than 1160 unruly passenger incidents reported so far this year, according to the FAA.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the out-of-control nature of the passenger and his physical restraint with duct tape, as well as attribution to reports. — The tone is descriptive and matter-of-fact, with a focus on the unusual and disruptive behavior.
Facts Included:
A passenger on a flight to Newark was restrained and duct taped to a first-class seat after an incident Thursday night.
A witness told NBC that about two hours into a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth, the man began yelling racist slurs at a person of color sitting next to him.
Flight attendants intervened, but the man hurled racist and homophobic slurs.
He called one of the flight attendants the N-word, according to onlooker Richard Olenick who spoke to CBS News.
One man told CBS the man bit him, and that flight attendants said they only gave him one drink.
The plane was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where the man was arrested.
American Airlines released a statement: 'On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer.'
The statement said law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning before the flight continued.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the dramatic restraint method (duct-taped to seat) and the violent mid-air outburst, as well as the diversion to Baltimore.
Facts Included:
American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore after a passenger allegedly turned violent.
The incident occurred on American Airlines Flight 618 on Thursday night, September 3.
The situation escalated around two hours into the flight.
Passenger accounts said the man began shouting at the passenger next to him before the confrontation became physical.
Retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia said he saw the passenger with his hands around the neck of the man beside him.
Mejia and fellow passenger Richard Olenick moved to help.
Witnesses alleged the man directed a racial slur at a Black flight attendant and made homophobic remarks.
The man allegedly struck the passenger next to him and damaged the passenger's computer.
Three male passengers, with crew assistance, restrained him using zip ties and duct tape.
The flight diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Law enforcement took the passenger into custody after landing.
The flight later continued to Newark.
American Airlines confirmed the diversion was due to a 'disruptive customer'.
The passenger remains in custody on state charges, according to the Free Press Journal.
Framing: Emphasizes the dramatic method of restraint (duct-taped) and the location (first-class) to highlight the severity of the incident. — Neutral and factual, recounting events from passenger accounts and official statements.
Facts Included:
A disruptive passenger was restrained with flexible handcuffs and duct-taped to a seat on American Airlines Flight 618, which was diverted to Baltimore on Thursday night (local time).
The flight was traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark.
The FAA said the crew reported the passenger disturbance.
A flight attendant tried to control the situation, but the man hit another passenger and a woman who intervened, according to Olenick.
The man used 'racial and homophobic slurs', according to Olenick and Mejia.
A flight attendant gave Olenick, Mejia, and a third person a ziptie to restrain the man's wrists.
Olenick sat on the restrained passenger's lap for 15 minutes until landing in Maryland.
A man was arrested on state charges; his name was not provided.
American Airlines said they do not tolerate violence and thanked customers for understanding.
The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks was noted as being on their minds.
There have been more than 1160 unruly passenger incidents reported to the FAA this year.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the method of restraint (duct tape) and the disruptive passenger being restrained.
Facts Included:
American Airlines flight on Sept 3 from Texas to New Jersey was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport due to a disruptive passenger.
The disruptive passenger was identified as Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona.
Lundeen shouted racial slurs at a flight attendant, struck a seat mate's laptop, grabbed a man's throat, and attacked a woman, according to O'Lenick.
Lundeen bit Mejia on the hand during the struggle.
The flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and landed shortly after 10pm.
The FAA has reported more than 1,160 unruly passenger cases so far in 2026, compared with 5,973 in 2021.
A 2021 incident on an American Airlines flight involved a passenger restrained with duct tape.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the identity of the passenger ("Who is Arthur Lundeen?") and the method of restraint ("duct-taped to seat"), framing the incident around the viral photo and the alleged racist outburst. — Measured and factual, with a slight sensationalist edge in describing the viral nature and shocking images.
Facts Included:
Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, was duct-taped to his seat on American Airlines Flight 618 after an alleged violent and racist outburst.
The flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Lundeen was arrested by Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
Lundeen allegedly shouted profanities and racial and homophobic slurs, directed a slur at a Black flight attendant, struck a passenger, damaged a computer, and pushed a woman.
He was restrained with zip ties and duct tape.
American Airlines issued a statement confirming the diversion and stating that safety and security are top priorities and that violence is not tolerated.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the passenger being duct-taped and the reasons of attacking a passenger and hurling racial abuse.
Facts Included:
An allegedly disruptive passenger was duct-taped to a passenger seat on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark that made an unexpected stop in Baltimore late Thursday.
About two hours into the flight, witnesses told CBS News how the situation suddenly escalated, with the passenger allegedly yelling and attacking the man seated next to him by grabbing his neck.
With the help of a flight attendant, they used zip ties and duct tape to secure the passenger to his seat.
Witnesses also alleged that the passenger hurled a racial slur and homophobic remarks at a flight attendant when she attempted to calm the situation.
He later became violent, prompting the crew to restrain him and divert the flight to Baltimore.
In Baltimore, he was reportedly removed by law enforcement, after which the flight continued to Newark.
Framing: The headline emphasizes why a Tucson real estate agent was duct-taped on a flight, focusing on the incident and the agent's profession.
Facts Included:
A Tucson real estate agent was restrained by flight crew and fellow passengers with duct tape and zip ties after he allegedly became unruly, causing the Newark bound flight to be diverted to Baltimore, ABC News reported.
Layne Lundeen, 67, was arrested by Maryland Transportation Authority Police after the flight coming from Dallas landed prematurely.
Two passengers, Richard Olenick and Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, reportedly heard a disturbance roughly towards the end of the flight.
Lundeen became belligerent and began spouting off racial slurs, vulgar language and derogatory remarks directed towards crew and fellow passengers, Mejia told ABC News.
Once Lundeen reportedly became physical, Olenick and Mejia intervened, working to restrain him alongside flight crew.
After Lundeen was removed and arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and second-degree assault, the flight continued to the initial destination, ABC News reported.
Framing: The headline focuses on the action of passengers duct-taping a man on an American Airlines flight, highlighting the passengers' role in the restraint. — Neutral and factual, with a focus on describing the sequence of events without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
On an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark in the United States, passengers helped secure a man to a first-class seat with duct tape after he allegedly attacked other travelers, according to a passenger.
The aircraft made an unscheduled landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where police detained the man.
The incident occurred on September 3 on Flight 618, operated by a Boeing 737-800 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty Airport, as reported by AeroTime.
A passenger told CNN that the man was seated two rows behind him in first class, behaved aggressively and shouted racist and homophobic slurs.
The passenger claims that the man struck the person seated next to him and later hit a woman who tried to intervene.
A flight attendant handed passengers a flexible restraint, which they used to secure the man's wrists.
The man was then duct-taped to his seat, without taping his mouth shut so as not to obstruct his breathing.
During the descent to Baltimore, one passenger sat on his lap for about 15 minutes to hold him down.
The US Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft landed safely in Baltimore at about 10:15 p.m. local time after the crew reported a disturbance on board.
American Airlines confirmed that law enforcement met the aircraft and removed the passenger, after which the flight continued to Newark.
AI-extracted; can misattribute a claim — see Methodology.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimThe incident occurred on September 3 on American Airlines Flight 618, operated by a Boeing 737-800 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty Airport.
ClaimThe Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft landed safely in Baltimore at about 10:15 p.m. local time after the crew reported a disturbance on board.
ClaimIn 2024, a passenger who tried to force open a door and injured a flight attendant while flying from Milwaukee to Dallas was duct-taped to his seat.