Arizona realtor fired after mid-flight meltdown: Duct-taped passenger charged

A 72-hour timeline of events surrounding an alleged mid-flight assault aboard an American Airlines flight has culminated in the firing of Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, a Tucson-based real estate broker. Lundeen was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct on September 4 after being removed from a September 3 flight from Dallas to Newark and restrained with duct tape by fellow passengers. The incident began mid-flight when Lundeen allegedly became belligerent and aggressive, prompting flight attendants to attempt intervention. According to passenger Richard O’Lenick, owner of a New Jersey gun range, Lundeen’s behavior escalated after he allegedly assaulted a seatmate by placing his hands around the man’s throat. O’Lenick and another passenger, Juan Mejia, a former police officer, intervened and physically restrained Lundeen. Mejia reported that Lundeen bit both men during the altercation. The flight was diverted to Baltimore, where Lundeen was arrested by Maryland Transportation Authority Police. American Airlines confirmed the diversion but declined to comment further on the incident. Lundeen’s employer, a real estate company in Arizona, confirmed his termination in a statement to CBS News. Religious discussion cited as possible trigger One passenger, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, provided a separate account of the events, stating he had been engaged in a two-hour discussion about religion with Lundeen before the altercation. Cahn, leader of the Beth Israel Worship Center, a Messianic Jewish congregation in New Jersey, claimed Lundeen became enraged after discussing his past as a Christian and his subsequent rejection of faith following a divorce. Cahn alleged Lundeen grabbed his throat, hit him, and broke his laptop during the confrontation. Charges and legal proceedings Lundeen faces second-degree assault and disorderly conduct charges, according to court records. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police confirmed his arrest but did not provide additional details. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet indicated whether it will pursue additional penalties related to the incident. Flight details and passenger accounts The American Airlines flight (AA 2254) departed Dallas on September 3 at 8:45 p.m. CT and was scheduled to arrive in Newark at 1:30 a.m. ET. The diversion to Baltimore occurred approximately two hours into the flight, with passengers resuming their journey after Lundeen’s removal. O’Lenick, who witnessed the altercation, stated that Lundeen used vulgar language, including racial slurs and homophobic remarks, though he did not specify when these comments occurred. Company response and employment status Lundeen’s real estate firm issued a statement confirming his termination, stating that his conduct was inconsistent with company values. The company did not provide further details. Lundeen’s professional background includes three marriages, as referenced by Cahn, though no additional context was provided regarding his personal life or employment history beyond his real estate career. Ongoing developments As of the latest reporting, no additional statements have been issued by American Airlines, law enforcement, or legal representatives for Lundeen. The FAA has not yet indicated whether it will take action under federal aviation regulations, which prohibit disruptive behavior aboard aircraft. The case remains under review by the Maryland court system.