ARIZONA REALTOR IDENTIFIED AS MAN DUCT-TAPED TO AIRLINE SEAT AFTER RACIST MID-FLIGHT MELTDOWN

A 67-year-old Arizona real-estate professional has been identified as the passenger who was duct-taped and restrained with zip ties after an alleged explosive outburst aboard an American Airlines flight.

Arthur “Layne” Lundeen, of Tucson, was traveling aboard American Airlines Flight 618 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark on September 3 when the situation reportedly spiraled into chaos.

By the time the aircraft landed in Baltimore, Lundeen was strapped to his seat with duct tape and his hands were secured with zip ties. Police were waiting at the gate.

THE FLIGHT DESCENDED INTO CHAOS

According to police and court records, Lundeen allegedly became increasingly disruptive roughly two hours into the flight.

Witnesses said he directed racial and homophobic slurs, profanity and derogatory comments at people aboard the aircraft.

The situation reportedly escalated from a verbal confrontation into physical behavior.

One witness said Lundeen attacked a fellow passenger and also became aggressive toward people attempting to intervene. PEOPLE reported that witnesses described him choking his seatmate and biting one of the passengers who tried to restrain him.

Eventually, passengers and crew members intervened.

With the aircraft still in the air, Lundeen was restrained using duct tape and zip ties, leaving him secured to his seat for the remainder of the flight to Baltimore.

THE PLANE WAS FORCED TO DIVERT

Instead of continuing to Newark, Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

The aircraft landed safely, and law enforcement officers met the plane.

Lundeen was removed from the aircraft and arrested by Maryland Transportation Authority Police.

He has been charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. He was later released on his own recognizance, with another court appearance scheduled for October 19.

The FBI is also investigating and consulting with federal prosecutors to determine whether additional federal charges could follow. The FAA is separately investigating the incident.

THEN CAME THE IDENTITY REVEAL

The passenger at the center of the bizarre flight was identified as Arthur “Layne” Lundeen, a 67-year-old Tucson resident.

His LinkedIn profile, which has since reportedly been removed, listed him as a vice president at Long Realty in Tucson. Court records and news reports also identify him as a real-estate professional.

Following the incident, Long Realty reportedly terminated Lundeen’s employment.

The company has not publicly endorsed the alleged behavior, while American Airlines said the safety and security of passengers and crew members remain its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.

A SHOCKING IMAGE FROM THE FLIGHT

Photographs obtained after the incident show Lundeen sitting in his airplane seat with duct tape wrapped around his body, while his hands were secured with zip ties.

The extraordinary scene has since spread widely online, raising questions about just how far the confrontation had escalated before passengers decided they had to physically restrain him.

Authorities have not publicly determined what triggered the alleged outburst or whether alcohol played a role. PEOPLE reported that Lundeen had been served one drink, but it remains unclear whether alcohol contributed to his behavior.

For now, Lundeen faces criminal charges, but the allegations have not been proven in court.

What began as a flight from Texas to New Jersey ended with an unexpected landing in Maryland — and an Arizona realtor being taken off the plane in handcuffs after fellow passengers had already taken extraordinary steps to keep him under control.