Man Restrained With Duct Tape, Zip Ties Indicted After MD Emergency Landing

ODENTON, MD — An Arizona man was indicted this week after physical attacks and intimidation tactics on a New Jersey-bound flight prompted an emergency landing at BWI Marshall Airport.

A release issued by the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office states Layne Lundeen, 67, used intimidation to interfere with flight staff duties, disregarding instructions while also hurling racial slurs. He is also accused of assaulting a passenger.

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The incident occurred on an American Airlines flight from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on Sept. 3. It was once Lundeen's attacks turned physical that a decision was made to call for an emergency landing at BWI Marshall Airport.

Citing passengers aboard the September flight, WBAL reported several individuals aboard the plane jumped in to help contain Lundeen before he was eventually restrained to his seat with duct tape and zip ties.

Lundeen is facing charges of interfering with flight crew and assault by striking, beating and wounding. If convicted, the charges could amount to 20 years in prison.