A US airlines passenger, who had to be duct taped to his plane seat after going on an alleged alcohol-fueled tirade, has been identified as a Arizona broker.
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, had to be taped off by fellow passengers on a flight from Dallas, Texasto Newark, New Jerseyon Thursday evening.
His alleged homophobic and racist tirade caused American Airlines Flight 618 to be diverted to a Baltimore airport, where the Tucson real estate agent was removed from the plane. The rest of the passengers then resumed their flight to Newark.
Now it has been revealed that Lundeen is a real estate agent for Long Realty in Tucson, where he is reportedly the vice president.
The real estate company confirmed to the Daily Mail that Lundeen is no longer employed by them.
“Long Realty is aware of reports of criminal charges being filed against a former affiliated broker following an incident that allegedly occurred during a commercial flight,” said CEO Kevin Kaplan.
“Upon learning of the incident, Long Realty immediately terminated its ties with the individual. The individual is no longer associated with or authorized to represent Long Realty in any capacity.
“The conduct described in the reports is completely inconsistent with the professionalism, integrity, compassion and respect for others that Long Realty expects from those affiliated with the company.”
Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, had to be duct taped by fellow passengers on a flight after he went on an alleged racist and homophobic tirade
Lundeen is reportedly a real estate agent in Tucson, Arizona, where he has lived since the 1980s. After the incident, Long Realty fired Lundeen, the company told the Daily Mail
Lundeen has reportedly lived in the Tucson area since the 1980s. The Arizona Daily Star reported.
On Thursday, Lundeen, who passengers said appeared drunk, began yelling at the male passenger sitting next to him around 10 p.m., when the flight was 75 percent finished.
The 67-year-old was reportedly going on a rant about Jesus and going to hell, which led to a flight attendant stopping by to see what the commotion was, sources said. TMZ.
Lundeen, who was in first class, then allegedly called the black flight attendant the N-word and made homophobic comments, the outlet reported.
A female passenger tried to help, but the unruly passenger reportedly pushed her, causing three male passengers to stand up.
Lundeen then allegedly bit a male passenger and attempted to bite another.
“Like a light switch, it suddenly went from quiet to shouting and chaos,” said Juan Mejia, a retired police officer who was aboard the flight. CBS News.
“I turned to look, and the poor gentleman sitting next to him in the aisle seat had his hands around his neck and was attacking him.”
The flight was diverted to Baltimore, where Lundeen was removed. Then it was off to Newark
Mejia and Richard Olenick, both sitting two rows in front of Lundeen, jumped up to help.
A flight attendant handed the men duct tape and they reportedly tied him up, wrapping the gray glue around his wrists, head and body to secure him to the seat.
Lundeen reportedly tried to get out of his restraints, but the male passengers held him down.
Lundeen was taken into custody on state charges and according to TMZ, federal charges could also be filed by the FBI.
US airlines told the Daily Mail that the flight was diverted due to a “disruptive customer.”
“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we will not tolerate violence,” a spokesperson said.
“We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”
The Daily Mail has contacted Lundeen for comment.
