Passenger Duct-Taped to Seat Warned of 'Rude Awakening' in Court
An Arizona realtor faces charges after an alleged mid-flight outburst, including racial slurs and homophobic language, led to an emergency landing.
The Arizona realtor who was duct-taped to his seat during an American Airlines flight earlier this month was warned about a "rude awakening" during his first court appearance. Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct following an incident on a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on September 3.
The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where Lundeen was arrested. According to Maryland court records, the charges are misdemeanors. Lundeen could face extradition if he fails to attend his next court date.
"If you miss court, you're going to have a rude awakening," Anne Arundel County District Court Commissioner George Haag told Lundeen during a September 4 hearing. Court documents state that Lundeen reacted with surprise when the details of his mid-flight behavior were recounted, claiming he did not remember the incident.
Lundeen stated he had consumed two vodka and orange juice cocktails prior to the flight and expressed surprise at landing in Maryland. He was reportedly traveling to New York City to assist his daughter with moving.
Officers indicated in their report that Lundeen struck a law enforcement officer after being removed from his seat. Commissioner Haag noted that Lundeen was not charged with assault on an officer, characterizing the officers' actions as "nice."
Lundeen was released on his own recognizance, with Haag citing Lundeen's lack of a prior criminal record. The commissioner stated he was willing to "take a gamble" on Lundeen's appearance in court. His trial is scheduled to begin on the afternoon of October 19.
Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, who was seated next to Lundeen, previously told the Daily Mail that the conversation between them turned hostile. Cahn alleged that Lundeen became enraged, used racial and homophobic slurs, and physically assaulted him, including grabbing him by the throat and breaking his laptop.
Eyewitnesses reportedly heard Lundeen use racial slurs towards a flight attendant who attempted to intervene. Three male passengers and flight attendants eventually used duct tape to restrain Lundeen.
Lundeen, who was employed by Long Realty in Arizona, has been terminated by the company following the incident. His attorney was unavailable for comment, and the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Office stated they could not comment on pending cases.