Duct-Taped Passenger Warned of 'Rude Awakening' in Court
Arizona realtor faces charges after mid-flight outburst leads to emergency landing.
An Arizona realtor who was duct-taped to his seat during an American Airlines flight earlier this month was warned of a "rude awakening" during his initial court appearance. Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct following an alleged outburst on a flight from Dallas to Newark.
The incident occurred on September 3, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where Lundeen was arrested. Images from the flight showed Lundeen bound to his seat with duct tape.
During a September 4 hearing, Anne Arundel County District Court Commissioner George Haag informed Lundeen that he risked a "rude awakening" if he failed to appear for future court dates. According to court records, Lundeen expressed surprise at the events, stating, "I don't remember any of it." He told the court he had consumed two vodka and orange juice cocktails prior to the flight.
Lundeen also stated he had no recollection of landing in Maryland and was traveling to New York City to assist his daughter with an apartment move. Court documents indicated that officers reported Lundeen struck a law enforcement officer after being removed from his seat, but they had opted not to charge him with assault on an officer.
Haag released Lundeen on his own recognizance, noting his lack of a prior criminal record. Lundeen's trial is scheduled to begin on October 19.
Witnesses and another passenger, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, described Lundeen's behavior as escalating rapidly. Cahn, who was seated next to Lundeen, claimed the realtor became enraged, used racial and homophobic slurs, grabbed him by the throat, struck him, and damaged his laptop. Cahn stated he had been discussing religious beliefs with Lundeen before the incident. Eyewitnesses also reported Lundeen using racial slurs towards a flight attendant.
Lundeen has since been terminated from his employer, Long Realty in Arizona. His attorney declined to comment on the case, and the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Office also stated they could not comment on pending cases.