Dallas‑area travelers witnessed a disturbing incident on American Airlines Flight 618, which departed Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at 6:42 p.m. CDT on September 3 bound for Newark, New Jersey. Mid‑flight, a passenger identified as Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, allegedly began shouting racial slurs, including the N‑word, toward a Black flight attendant and using anti‑gay language toward other passengers.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the man then became physically aggressive, striking a fellow passenger, grabbing another passenger’s neck, and even biting one of the men as crew and other travelers attempted to subdue him. The disturbance escalated to the point where the flight crew declared an emergency and diverted the aircraft to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where the plane landed safely at approximately 10:15 p.m. EDT.
Law‑Enforcement Response
Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested Lundeen at BWI. He was charged with second‑degree assault and disorderly conduct for the alleged actions aboard the aircraft. Police records indicate that when officers removed the duct‑tape and zip ties used to restrain him, Lundeen struck an officer in the chest. He was later released on his own recognizance after waiving counsel and is scheduled to appear in Glen Burnie District Court on October 19.
The FBI’s Baltimore Field Office is conducting interviews and will coordinate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges are appropriate.
Airline Statement
American Airlines released a statement emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety: “The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence.” The airline confirmed that after the passenger was removed, the flight continued to its original destination of Newark.
Similar incidents have been reported on other American Airlines flights, including a separate case in June where a passenger allegedly bit another traveler.
Community Impact
While the incident occurred on a national carrier, the involvement of a Dallas‑area airport and the presence of Texas residents on the flight make it a matter of local concern. Travelers and airline staff alike stress the importance of maintaining a respectful and safe environment on board, especially as air travel continues to be a vital link for families and businesses across the state.
Authorities encourage anyone who witnessed the event or has additional information to contact the Maryland Transportation Authority Police or the FBI field office.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
