An American Airlines passenger faces assault charges after fellow travelers restrained him during an alleged outburst that diverted his flight. Authorities arrested Arthur Lundeen of Tucson after Flight 618 landed in Baltimore on September 3, 2026.
The flight was traveling from Dallas to Newark when the disturbance occurred. Maryland Transportation Authority Police said passengers restrained Lundeen with duct tape and zip ties, according to ABC News.
Passengers Describe Confrontation
Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, told ABC News that Lundeen directed racial slurs and offensive remarks at crew members and passengers. Mejia and fellow traveler Richard Olenick said they intervened when his behavior became physical.
In interviews reported by Arizona’s Family, Mejia alleged that Lundeen grabbed another passenger by the neck and bit him during the struggle. He said crew members provided restraints, and the men stayed with Lundeen until police arrived.
American Airlines confirmed that officers removed the passenger in Baltimore before the flight continued to Newark. The airline thanked its crew and customers and said it does not tolerate violence.
Real Estate Brokerage Ends Affiliation
Long Realty confirmed that it ended its affiliation with Lundeen after learning about the incident. The company told Arizona’s Family that he was no longer authorized to represent it.
The company said the reported conduct conflicted with its standards of professionalism and respect. The Arizona Republic reported, citing state licensing records, that Lundeen had been a licensed Arizona real estate broker since 2001.
State Charges and Federal Investigation
Police charged Lundeen with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Authorities told ABC News that those charges concern incidents aboard the aircraft at Baltimore’s airport, while the FBI is investigating the reported events in the air.
The Arizona Republic reported that court records showed his release on September 4 without a cash bail requirement and a trial scheduled for October 19. The newspaper said its attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
The charges are allegations, and Lundeen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The FBI said its investigation remains ongoing.