"Tie him up with cable ties"... First-class passenger's in-flight rampage ends with diversion after he is bound

[Financial News] A man in his 60s was restrained with duct tape after causing a disturbance aboard a U.S. flight by hitting a passenger in the adjacent seat and making racist remarks.
According to reports from CNN and other U.S. media outlets on the 6th (local time), the incident occurred aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was traveling from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on the night of the 3rd.
Arthur Lundin, 67, a first-class passenger, suddenly began acting aggressively. He threw punches not only at the passenger seated next to him but also at a female passenger who tried to stop him. He also directed racist and homophobic remarks at flight attendants and other passengers.
As Lundin's rampage continued, three passengers, including former police officer Juan Mejia and his friend Richard Olenick, intervened. Using cable ties provided by a flight attendant, they bound Lundin's hands. Lundin then bit Mejia and tried to bite Olenick as well. The men eventually used duct tape supplied by the crew to wrap Lundin's calves, wrists, head and torso, tightly restraining him to his seat. Airlines are reportedly equipped with duct tape and cable ties to deal with passengers who cause disturbances and engage in violent behavior.
Lundin remained agitated even after his entire body had been restrained. Olenick reportedly sat on Lundin's knees for 15 minutes, until the diverted flight landed.
Immediately after landing, Lundin was arrested by Maryland transportation police, and the plane resumed its flight to Newark, New Jersey. The reason for Lundin's outburst has not yet been determined. Olenick told CNN, "I don't know exactly what triggered it," adding, "Whatever the cause, it was an extremely intense incident."
Following the incident, Lundin was charged at the state level with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) told Newsweek, "We are investigating to establish the facts and will consult with federal prosecutors to determine whether federal charges should be filed."
Lundin is reportedly a real estate agent who lives in Tucson, Arizona. The real estate company he was affiliated with is said to have immediately terminated its contractual relationship with him over the incident.
[email protected] Ahn Ga-eul Reporter