Get you up to speed: Man duct-taped on flight after mid-air outburst ‘can’t remember what happened’ | News World
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, was charged with second-degree assault after an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport due to his disruptive behaviour. He was found duct-taped to his seat following a racist and homophobic outburst during the flight.
Layne Arthur Lundeen’s initial court appearance took place the day after the incident, where he expressed a lack of memory regarding the events that transpired on the flight. He now faces charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, with further legal proceedings anticipated as the investigation continues.
Layne Arthur Lundeen has been charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct following his disruptive behaviour on an American Airlines flight, which resulted in the aircraft diverting to Baltimore. Lundeen’s attorney, Anatoly Smolkin, has opted not to comment on the situation, and he has stated in court that he remembers nothing of the incident.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain what specific actions led to the escalation of Lundeen’s disruptive behaviour during the flight.
Passenger duct-taped on flight after outburst says he remembers nothing
Layne Arthur Lundeen was charged with second-degree assault.
A passenger who was duct-taped to his seat following a racist and homophobic outburst on a plane has said that he remembers ‘nothing’ about the incident.
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, was arrested after American Airlines flight 618 was forced to make an emergency landing earlier this month following reports of a disruptive passenger on board.
The flight had been travelling from Dallas to Newark on September 3 when it was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Lundeen, an estate agent, was consequently fired from his job after he used the N-word against a member of cabin crew.
According to a police report, officers found Lundeen with his upper and lower body restrained to his seat with duct tape, while his hands had been secured with zip ties.
He was later charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, according to court records.
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Lundeen was restrained in the aisle of the plane (Picture: Fox News)
During his initial court appearance in Annapolis the following day, Lundeen said he could not remember what had happened.
‘I don’t remember any of what happened,’ he said, according to audio of the hearing obtained by the Baltimore Banner.
At one point, a district court commissioner read out the charges against him, to which Lundeen asked: ‘I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says? I don’t have glasses.’
He admitted drinking ‘two screwdrivers’ before later adding: ‘Oh my God. What a mess… I don’t remember any of it.’
Police allege that Lundeen became increasingly unruly during the flight, shouting profanities and racial slurs before allegedly striking a female passenger in the arm.
After officers removed the duct tape and zip ties, he then allegedly struck an officer in the chest.
Lundeen has not publicly addressed those allegations beyond saying he does not remember the incident.
Lundeen’s attorney, Anatoly Smolkin, has declined to comment.
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