Full Breakdown
Arizona Real Estate Agent Fired After Duct-Tape Restraint on Disruptive Flight
9/9/2026, 6:11:41 PM
Incident Overview
During a Dallas-originating American Airlines flight bound for Newark, 67-year-old Arthur Lundeen of Arizona became verbally and physically disruptive. Passengers reported that he shouted racial and homophobic slurs before attempting to assault crew members. Flight attendants first used zip-ties, then resorted to duct-tape to secure Lundeen to his seat. The aircraft was diverted, and authorities in Maryland arrested Lundeen on disorderly-conduct and assault charges.
Passenger Intervention
Two passengers—Richard O’Lenick and former police officer Juan Mejia—assisted the crew. After the zip-ties proved insufficient, O’Lenick applied duct-tape while Mejia helped restrain Lundeen. Both emphasized that they avoided covering Lundeen’s eyes or airways to prevent injury. Their actions were credited with de-escalating the situation and allowing the flight to land safely.
Employer Response
Lundeen had been employed as a real-estate agent with Long Realty in Tucson. Following the incident, the firm announced on Facebook that it had ended its affiliation with Lundeen and that he was no longer authorized to represent the company. The termination was described as immediate and unrelated to any pending legal proceedings.
Official Statements & Responses
American Airlines released a statement asserting that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Long Realty issued a brief comment confirming the termination of Lundeen’s affiliation. Law-enforcement officials in Maryland confirmed the arrest and indicated that the charges stem from both disorderly conduct and assault.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Upon learning of the incident, Long Realty promptly ended its affiliation with the individual,” — Long Realty
- “The flight attendants tried to de-escalate him. They were just getting spit venom from him, derogatory remarks, racial comments,” — Juan Mejia
- “I didn’t cover his eyes, I didn’t cover his airways — his nose, his mouth — that was the most important thing. We’re not looking to hurt the gentleman but we’re looking that he doesn’t hurt himself any further, or us or anyone else,” — Richard O’Lenick
- “I’m glad that we were able to do what we did,” — Richard O’Lenick
