New Jersey gun range owner was behind duct-taping of passenger who melted down on American Airlines flight

A New Jersey gun range owner and his employee have been identified as the passengers who stepped up and duct-taped an out-of-control traveler to his airplane seat after he had a meltdown on an American Airlines flight last week. Richard O’Lenick, who owns Gun for Hire in Woodland Park, was on Flight 618 from Dallas to Newark last Thursday when Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, allegedly began attacking the passenger next to him. When flight crew tried to intervene, Lundeen allegedly launched into a racist and homophobic rant and refused to follow their commands.

During the outburst, he hit and grabbed another passenger by their throat, and hit the woman sitting behind him, O’Lenick said. Once Lundeen became violent, O’Lenick and his employee, Luan Mejia, a retired police officer, stepped in to protect the other passengers, he said. While the two men worked to restrain Lundeen using duct-tape, he fought back and allegedly bit Mejia.

This plane is going to crash.’ And I said, ‘You’re going to meet a couple of new friends when we land.’” Lundeen eventually settled down. The flight was being diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maryland. The unruly passenger was taped to his seat for about 15 minutes, Mejia told CBS News.

He was arrested upon arrival in Baltimore by Maryland Transportation Authority police and charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault. The FBI has taken over the investigation but it was unclear if Lundeen will face any additional federal charges. The bureau told Newsweek in a statement that it is "conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S.

Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed." Attempts to reach Lundeen for comment were unsuccessful. Long Realty, where Lundeen had been listed as a vice president, previously told The Independent it was severing its ties with him. American Airlines also issued a statement acknowledging the incident.

Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination,’ it read. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.” Lundeen’s next court appearance has been set for October 19. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies