3 days ago
Passenger Restrained After Alleged Racist Outburst On Flight
A passenger on an airplane allegedly became very disruptive during a flight.
Witnesses said he made racist and offensive comments.
They also said he became physical toward others.
Flight workers and several passengers worked together to stop the disturbance.
They used duct tape to keep him in his seat and zip ties to secure his hands.
Former police officer Juan Mejia and Richard O'Lenick helped restrain him.
The plane landed in Baltimore instead of continuing directly to its destination.
Police then arrested the passenger.
Arthur Lundeen, 67, was allegedly abusive and violent on American Airlines Flight AA618.
Witnesses said Lundeen used racial slurs and vulgar language toward staff and passengers.
Crew members and passengers restrained him with duct tape and zip ties.
Former police officer Juan Mejia and Richard O'Lenick helped control the situation.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen after the flight landed in Baltimore.
- Who
- Passenger Arthur Lundeen, flight crew, fellow passengers, and Maryland Transportation Authority Police were involved.
- What
- Lundeen was allegedly abusive and became violent, prompting crew members and passengers to restrain him with duct tape and zip ties.
- Where
- American Airlines Flight AA618 was traveling from Dallas to Newark and landed in Baltimore, where Lundeen was arrested.
- When
- September 3; the disturbance began about three-quarters of the way through the flight.
- Why
- Witnesses said Lundeen made racist remarks, used vulgar language, and allegedly became physical.
Key facts
- Passenger
- Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona
- Flight
- American Airlines Flight AA618
- Route
- Dallas to Newark
- Restraints
- Duct tape and zip ties
- Assisting passengers
- Richard O'Lenick and former police officer Juan Mejia
- Arresting agency
- Maryland Transportation Authority Police
- Landing location
- Baltimore
Quotes
Juan Mejia
Passenger and former law enforcement officer who helped restrain the disruptive traveler
“The gentleman sitting two rows behind us started becoming belligerent, making derogatory remarks to American Airlines staff and other passengers, using racial slurs and vulgar language. It was very offensive to the women sitting in the row behind him.”
NDTV
Richard O'Lenick
Passenger and owner of a New Jersey Gun For Hire store who helped subdue the traveler
“Juan immediately knew that action had to be taken. He got up right away, sat next to the passenger and began helping to restrain him in order to keep the situation contained.”
NDTV
Sources
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