Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight found themselves in an unbelievable situation Thursday night when they allegedly had to help restrain a man who became increasingly aggressive during the flight.

The situation became so serious that the passenger was eventually duct-taped to his seat with his hands restrained by zip ties as the plane was diverted to Baltimore.

The incident happened aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport on September 3. The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after the disturbance.

What Happened on the American Airlines Flight?

According to passengers who spoke with ABC, the disturbance began roughly three-quarters of the way through the flight.

Juan Mejia, a passenger and former law enforcement officer, said he heard a man sitting a couple of rows behind him becoming increasingly belligerent and making offensive comments toward American Airlines employees and other passengers.

Mejia and fellow passenger Richard Olenick said they were monitoring what was happening when the situation allegedly became physical.

Witnesses said the passenger began physically assaulting another passenger, prompting Mejia and Olenick to step in.

Passengers Stepped In to Restrain Him

Once the situation became physical, passengers and members of the flight crew worked together to restrain the man.

According to witness accounts, a flight attendant provided zip ties. The passengers used them to restrain the man’s hands.

When the man allegedly continued resisting, duct tape was also used to secure him to his seat.

Mejia said the passengers were not trying to hurt the man. Their goal was to control the situation and prevent it from escalating while they were still in the air.

The passengers remained with the restrained man until the aircraft landed and law enforcement officers boarded.

The Plane Was Diverted to Baltimore

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport at approximately 10:15 p.m. after the passenger disturbance.

Once the plane landed, Maryland Transportation Authority Police took the passenger into custody.

American Airlines said the passenger was removed from the aircraft and the flight subsequently continued to Newark.

Who Was the Passenger?

Authorities identified the passenger as Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona.

According to the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Lundeen was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault for incidents that occurred aboard the aircraft at BWI Airport.

Police also said Lundeen had an open wound on his arm when officers took him into custody. He was evaluated by paramedics and medically cleared.

The FBI Is Investigating What Happened in the Air

While Lundeen is facing state charges in Maryland, the events that allegedly occurred while the aircraft was in the air are being investigated by the FBI.

The FBI said investigators are conducting interviews and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Federal authorities have not yet announced whether additional federal charges will be filed.

American Airlines Responds

American Airlines confirmed that Flight 618 was diverted because of a disruptive passenger.

The airline said the safety and security of its passengers and employees is its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.

The airline also thanked its employees for their professionalism and passengers for their understanding.

The Video Has Gone Viral

Images and video showing the passenger restrained in his seat have spread online, giving viewers a glimpse of the extraordinary situation passengers were dealing with inside the aircraft.

The footage shows just how unusual the scene became as passengers waited for the plane to reach the airport.

But authorities are still investigating what caused the confrontation in the first place.

What Happens Next?

Lundeen remains at the center of an ongoing investigation following his arrest in Baltimore.

For now, he faces state charges of disorderly conduct and second-degree assault, while the FBI investigates the alleged conduct that occurred during the flight.

The flight ultimately continued to Newark after the passenger was removed.

As investigators release additional information, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation could become clearer.

Sources

This story may be updated as authorities release additional information.