Passenger duct-taped to American Airlines seat says he remembers nothing

A 67-year-old passenger who was duct-taped and restrained with zip ties during an American Airlines flight has said he does not remember the incident that led to his arrest.

Layne Lundeen was travelling on American Airlines Flight 618 from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on September 3 when the flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport following an alleged disturbance.

Lundeen was reportedly restrained in his first-class seat with duct tape and zip ties during the flight.

After the plane landed, authorities arrested him and charged him with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, The Guardian reported.

During a court hearing the following day, Lundeen said he had no recollection of what had happened.

“I don’t remember any of what happened,” he said.

After hearing the charges against him, Lundeen also appeared confused about the allegations.

“I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says? I don’t have my glasses,” he said.“Oh my god, what a mess … I don’t remember any of it.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard Olenick (@richardolenick)

Passengers on the flight have described the alleged behaviour that preceded Lundeen being restrained.

The Guardian reported that Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer who helped restrain Lundeen, said the passenger allegedly made derogatory remarks towards airline staff and other passengers, including racial slurs and offensive language towards women.

Another passenger, Richard Olenick, alleged that Lundeen attempted to hit the passenger sitting next to him and a woman who tried to intervene.

Olenick, who also helped restrain Lundeen, said the restraints reduced Lundeen’s ability to move but did not stop him from resisting and attempting to get up.

American Airlines said the safety and security of its customers and team members is its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.

The incident has also affected Lundeen’s professional life.

Long Realty, a real estate company based in Tucson, Arizona, said it had ended its affiliation with Lundeen after learning about the incident.

The company confirmed that Lundeen is no longer associated with or authorised to represent it in any capacity.

IOL