Newark-bound flight diverted after passengers duct-tape unruly man to seat
American Airlines Flight AA618, traveling from Dallas to Newark Liberty International Airport, was forced to make an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Sept. 3.
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An American Airlines flight bound for Newark was diverted to Maryland on Thursday after a disruptive passenger had to be restrained in his seat with duct tape and zip ties mid-flight.
American Airlines Flight AA618, traveling from Dallas to Newark Liberty International Airport, was forced to make an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Sept. 3.
Responding Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers boarded the aircraft and found a male passenger bound to his seat with duct tape and his hands secured by zip ties. Authorities identified the passenger as 67-year-old Arthur Lundeen of Arizona.
Lundeen was taken into custody by MDTA Police and charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault for incidents that occurred on board the aircraft. Officers noticed an open wound on Lundeen's arm during the arrest, and he was evaluated and cleared by paramedics at the scene.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office responded to the airport to assist local authorities. Federal agents are currently leading the investigation into the in-flight incident, while Lundeen remains booked on state charges in Maryland.
