A Tucson real estate agent has been fired after he was allegedly duct-taped to his seat during a chaotic flight.
Arthur “Layne” Lundeen, 67, was dismissed from Long Realty following the September 3 incident on American Airlines Flight 618 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark.
The airline diverted the plane to Baltimore, where police took Lundeen into custody.
Alleged Disruptive Behavior
Witnesses said Lundeen became belligerent, using racial and anti-gay slurs against passengers and crew.
He allegedly struck a passenger and hit the man's computer, and also pushed a woman who tried to intervene.
Three passengers helped flight attendants restrain Lundeen, using duct tape and zip ties to secure him to his seat.
Lundeen was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, and the FBI is investigating whether federal charges will follow.
Long Realty confirmed Lundeen no longer works there, according to KVOA.
American Airlines said the flight diverted due to a “disruptive customer” and that violence is not tolerated.
Lundeen has been released while the case proceeds.
