BREAKING: PASSENGER FORCED TO BE DUCT-TAPED TO HIS SEAT AFTER MID-AIR MELTDOWN — NOW IDENTIFIED AS 67-YEAR-OLD ARIZONA REALTOR

Dramatic images from an American Airlines flight have captured national attention after a passenger was restrained with duct tape and zip ties when an alleged mid-air disturbance escalated.

The man has been identified as 67-year-old Arthur Layne Lundeen of Tucson, Arizona, a former realtor.

The incident happened aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark on September 3 when the situation reportedly spiraled out of control. 

THE FLIGHT SUDDENLY TURNED CHAOTIC

Passengers said Lundeen allegedly began shouting offensive and abusive remarks at crew members and other travelers.

According to witnesses, the behavior eventually became physical.

Juan Mejia, a retired law-enforcement officer who was aboard the flight, said he saw Lundeen allegedly grab the passenger seated beside him around the neck.

Mejia and fellow passenger Richard Olenick then intervened.

When zip ties were not enough to keep Lundeen restrained, the crew provided duct tape, which passengers used to secure him to his seat for the remainder of the flight. 

Photos showing Lundeen restrained across his body and secured to the seat quickly spread online.

THE PLANE HAD TO DIVERT

American Airlines Flight 618 was originally headed for Newark.

Instead, the aircraft was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, where law enforcement was waiting.

Lundeen was taken into custody after the plane landed safely.

He now faces Maryland state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. The FBI is also investigating and consulting with federal prosecutors about whether additional charges could follow. 

HIS EMPLOYER CUT TIES

The controversy did not end when Lundeen left the aircraft.

Long Realty, the Arizona real-estate company with which he had been associated, later announced that it had ended its relationship with him following the incident. 

The case has now become one of the most talked-about examples of an unruly passenger incident after extraordinary images from inside the aircraft emerged.

For the passengers and crew aboard Flight 618, however, it was not a viral moment.

It was a situation that had to be contained at 30,000 feet.

And what began as a routine flight from Texas to New Jersey ended with an unexpected landing in Maryland — and one passenger leaving the aircraft in police custody.

Lundeen is facing allegations, not a conviction. The investigation remains ongoing.