Dubai · Gulf Edu
An Arizona realty company says it has severed ties with Layne Arthur Lundeen, a 67-year-old real estate agent arrested after allegedly engaging in unruly behavior on an American Airlines flight. The incident involved racial and homophobic slurs, leading to Lundeen being physically restrained with duct tape and zip ties. He was arrested at Baltimore’s airport on 3 September after a flight from Dallas was diverted due to his disruptive behavior.
Two passengers who intervened later provided details, including a viral photo of Lundeen restrained. Lundeen, who listed himself as a vice-president at Tucson’s Long Realty Company, faces charges of disorderly conduct and second-degree assault. The company issued a statement condemning his actions, calling them inconsistent with its professional standards.
American Airlines confirmed the incident, describing it as a disruptive passenger on a flight from Dallas to Newark. Lundeen was released on his own recognizance after being booked with misdemeanors. Additional testimony from a former law enforcement officer, Juan Mejia, detailed further offensive remarks, including racial and anti-gay slurs.
Mejia and a friend restrained Lundeen, and photos of his restraint were shared widely. Lundeen is tentatively scheduled for court in Maryland on 19 October.
Source: The Guardian
