BALTIMORE (7News) — New images obtained by 7News show the disruptive passenger who forced an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark to divert to Baltimore restrained to his seat with duct tape.
The images, obtained from ABC News, show Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona, secured to an airplane seat with duct tape wrapped around his body. His hands were also restrained with zip ties.
American Airlines Flight 618 landed safely at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) around 10:15 p.m. Sept. 3 after the crew reported a passenger disturbance, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
New images obtained by 7News show 67-year-old Arthur Lundeen restrained to his airplane seat with duct tape and zip ties before an American Airlines flight diverted to BWI. He was arrested on Maryland state charges. (Richard Olenick)
The flight had departed Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
SEE ALSO | 12 hospitalized after carbon monoxide leak at Gaithersburg apartments
American Airlines said the flight diverted to BWI because of a disruptive customer and that law enforcement met the aircraft after it landed.
Lundeen was removed from the plane before the flight continued to Newark.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office confirmed it responded to BWI following the diversion and said one man was arrested on Maryland state charges and booked by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
The FBI is conducting interviews to determine what happened aboard the aircraft and said agents will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges should also be filed.
Authorities have not released further details about what allegedly led crew members or passengers to restrain Lundeen with duct tape and zip ties.
“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,” American Airlines said in a statement. “We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”
The FAA is also investigating the incident.
Airlines have reported more than 1,600 unruly passenger incidents to the FAA so far in 2026.
The FAA can pursue enforcement against passengers accused of assaulting, threatening, intimidating, or interfering with airline crew members. Civil penalties can reach up to $43,658 per violation, and passengers can also face criminal charges.