A man was duct-taped to his seat on an American Airlines flight after going on an alleged alcohol-fueled racist and homophobic tirade.
Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona, allegedly had to be zip-tied and duct-taped to his seat on Flight 618 from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, TMZ reported.
Lundeen, who passengers said appeared to be drunk, began yelling at the male passenger seated next to him around 10pm when the flight was 75 percent through its journey.
The 67-year-old was allegedly going on a tirade about Jesus and going to hell, which caused a flight attendant to come over to see what the commotion was, sources told TMZ.
Lundeen, who was sitting in first class, then allegedly called the black flight attendant the N-word and made homophobic comments, the outlet said.
A female passenger allegedly attempted to help, but the unruly passenger reportedly pushed her, causing three male passengers to get up.
Lundeen then allegedly bit one male passenger and attempted to bite another.
A flight attendant handed the men duct tape, and they reportedly tied him up, wrapping the gray adhesive around his wrists, head, and body to secure him to the seat.
Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona, allegedly had to be zip-tied and duct-taped to his seat on Flight 618 from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday after allegedly going on a racist and homophobic tirade
The flight was diverted to Baltimore, where Lundeen, who was allegedly drunk, was removed. The flight then continued on to Newark
Lundeen allegedly tried to get out of his restraints and the male passengers held him down.
Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, landing 15 minutes later.
Lundeen was taken into custody, and federal charges are expected to be filed, according to TMZ.
Lundeen also allegedly hit his seatmate and smashed his computer.
American Airlines told TMZ the flight was diverted due to a ‘disruptive customer.’
Lundeen was deplaned and the flight then continued on to Newark.
‘The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to American Airlines and the FAA for comment.
