Passengers Restrain Violent Man on US Flight with Zip Ties and Duct Tape

Sep 7, 2026

71 min

Sep 7, 2026 14:30

Passengers use zip ties, duct tape to restrain man on US flight

## Incident on American Airlines Flight

An American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark was diverted to Baltimore after a passenger became violent. The incident occurred on September 3, 2026, when Arthur Lundeen, 67, from Tucson, Arizona, began shouting vulgarities and racial slurs at a flight attendant.

## Passengers Intervene

Richard O’Lenick, a fellow passenger, reported that Lundeen's behavior escalated when he struck a nearby passenger's laptop and grabbed him by the throat. A woman who tried to intervene was also targeted. O’Lenick and Juan Mejia, a retired police officer, stepped in to help. Despite efforts to calm Lundeen, he continued to struggle, biting Mejia during the altercation.

## Restraint and Diversion

Flight attendants provided zip ties to restrain Lundeen, but when these proved insufficient, duct tape was used to secure him to his seat. The flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where Lundeen was arrested.

## Legal and Employment Consequences

Lundeen faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. He was released on his own recognizance and is due in court on October 19. Following the incident, his employer, Long Realty Company, terminated his association with them.

## Investigation and Aftermath

The FBI and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident. The aircraft required cleaning due to blood from the struggle, but continued to Newark without further issues. O’Lenick expressed sympathy for Lundeen, acknowledging the unknown factors behind his behavior.

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