An Arizona man who was duct-taped to his seat during a scuffle aboard an American Airlines flight has been federally indicted on charges carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The indictment marks a major development in a case that drew national attention after fellow passengers restrained him during the flight from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey. Arthur "Layne" Lundeen, 67, now faces federal charges that he assaulted a passenger and interfered with flight crew members, while prosecutors say his behavior forced an emergency landing in Baltimore.
The charges announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland stem from a September 3 incident aboard American Airlines Flight 618. Prosecutors allege Lundeen intimidated crew members, ignored instructions from flight attendants, directed racial slurs at airline staff and passengers, and engaged in hostile conduct that disrupted the flight.
Newsweek has reached out to Lundeen's attorney, Anatoly Smolkin, for comment. Federal prosecutors announced that Lundeen has been indicted on charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants and assault by striking, beating and wounding. According to the indictment, he is charged with assaulting a passenger aboard the flight traveling from Dallas to Newark, prompting an unscheduled landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Authorities allege Lundeen interfered with flight attendants attempting to perform their duties by intimidating crew members, disregarding instructions, making physical contact with airline personnel and directing abusive language toward crew and passengers. Prosecutors stressed that the indictment is an allegation and that Lundeen is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in court. The federal case significantly raises the stakes compared with the state charges filed immediately after the incident.
Maryland court records show Lundeen was previously charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors, following his arrest at BWI Airport. A trial originally scheduled for October 19 was postponed. Court records show the case has been reset for November 16.
The incident occurred aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport. Passengers said a disturbance erupted during the flight after Lundeen allegedly became increasingly belligerent. Juan Mejia, passenger and former law enforcement officer, previously told CBS News that the disturbance escalated suddenly.
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