An American Airlines passenger accused of launching into an alcohol-fueled tirade before being restrained with duct tape has been identified as an Arizona real estate agent.
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, was subdued by fellow travelers Thursday night during a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey.
The alleged racist and homophobic outburst forced American Airlines Flight 618 to divert to an airport in Baltimore, where Lundeen, of Tucson, was taken off the plane. The remaining passengers later continued on to Newark.
Lundeen has since been identified as a realtor with Long Realty in Tucson, where he was reportedly a vice president.
The real estate firm confirmed to the Daily Mail that Lundeen is no longer employed by the company.
‘Long Realty is aware of reports concerning criminal charges filed against a former affiliated real estate agent arising from an incident that allegedly occurred during a commercial flight,’ CEO Kevin Kaplan said.
‘Upon learning of the incident, Long Realty promptly ended its affiliation with the individual. The individual is no longer associated with or authorized to represent Long Realty in any capacity.
‘The conduct described in the reports is wholly inconsistent with the professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect for others that Long Realty expects from those affiliated with the company.’
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, had to be duct-taped by fellow passengers on a flight after going on an alleged racist and homophobic rant
Lundeen is reportedly a realtor in Tucson, Arizona, where he’s lived since he 1980s. After the incident, Long Realty fired Lundeen, the company told the Daily Mail
Lundeen has reportedly lived in the Tucson area since the 1980s, The Arizona Daily Star reported.
On Thursday, Lundeen, who passengers said appeared to be drunk, began yelling at the male passenger seated next to him at around 10pm, when the flight was 75 percent through its journey.
The 67-year-old was allegedly going on a tirade about Jesus and going to hell, which caused a flight attendant to come over to see what the commotion was, sources told TMZ.
Lundeen, who was sitting in first class, then allegedly called the black flight attendant the N-word and made homophobic comments, the outlet said.
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A female passenger allegedly attempted to help, but the unruly passenger reportedly pushed her, causing three male passengers to get up.
Lundeen then allegedly bit one male passenger and attempted to bite another.
‘Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos,’ Juan Mejia, a retired police officer who was on the flight, told CBS News.
‘I turned around to look, and the poor gentleman that was sitting next to him in the aisle seat, the individual had his hands around his neck and was, like, assaulting him.’
The flight was diverted to Baltimore, where Lundeen was removed. It then went to Newark
Mejia and Richard Olenick, who were both sitting two rows in front of Lundeen, jumped up to help.
A flight attendant handed the men duct tape, and they reportedly tied him up, wrapping the gray adhesive around his wrists, head and body to secure him to the seat.
Lundeen allegedly tried to get out of his restraints and the male passengers held him down.
Lundeen was taken into custody on state charges, and federal charges could also be filed by the FBI, according to TMZ.
American Airlines told the Daily Mail the flight was diverted due to a ‘disruptive customer.’
‘The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to Lundeen for comment.