The Arizona man who was duct-taped to his seat and restrained with zip ties during an American Airlines flight told a Maryland court that he did not remember what happened during the mid-air disturbance that forced the plane to divert to Baltimore.Layne Lundeen, 67, appeared for his initial hearing in Annapolis on September 4, a day after American Airlines Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).Lundeen faced charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident. He was released on his own recognizance after a later bail review, and his next court appearance is scheduled for October 19.During his initial appearance, Lundeen said he remembered talking to the passenger sitting beside him but could not recall what happened afterward.The passenger was Jonathan Cahn, an author and Messianic rabbi. Cahn has said that a conversation between the two initially appeared friendly before Lundeen allegedly became increasingly agitated.According to police allegations, Lundeen became disruptive during the flight, which was travelling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark, New Jersey. Witnesses told investigators that he allegedly used profanities and racial slurs and became physically aggressive.Passengers and crew eventually restrained Lundeen using duct tape and zip ties, securing him to his seat for the remainder of the flight.The aircraft was then diverted to BWI, where Maryland Transportation Authority Police took Lundeen into custody.
What happened on the plane?
The incident unfolded on September 3 aboard American Airlines Flight 618.According to police accounts cited by The Baltimore Banner, Lundeen’s behaviour became increasingly unruly during the flight. Witnesses alleged that he directed racial slurs at people on board and became physically aggressive.Former law enforcement officer Juan Mejia, who was among the passengers who intervened, told ABC News that he heard the disturbance and became involved as the situation escalated.Another passenger, Richard Olenick, also helped restrain Lundeen.The two men, together with flight attendants, eventually secured Lundeen with restraints until the plane landed in Baltimore.American Airlines confirmed that restraints are carried on its aircraft and can be used when necessary to maintain the safety and security of passengers and crew.
Lundeen says he has no memory of the episode
At his court appearance, Lundeen’s account differed sharply from what witnesses described.He said he remembered speaking with Cahn but did not recall the alleged confrontation that followed. He also appeared confused about how he had ended up in Maryland rather than New Jersey.The court proceedings did not establish why Lundeen said he could not remember the incident.The allegations remain the subject of the criminal case, and Lundeen has not been convicted of the charges.The FBI is also gathering information about the incident.
Flight continued after emergency landing
After Lundeen was removed from the aircraft, Flight 618 continued to Newark.The incident has since drawn widespread attention after photographs showing Lundeen restrained with duct tape went viral online.Lundeen, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, has been identified as a former real-estate professional. His employment with Long Realty ended following the incident.
