A 67-year-old passenger who was restrained with duct tape and zip ties to his airplane seat after allegedly becoming violent mid-flight now claims he has no recollection of the incident that led to his arrest.
Lyle Arthur Lundin was flying American Airlines from Dallas to Newark on September 3 when, according to witness accounts, his behavior suddenly changed. He began shouting, cursing, and making racist statements, and later allegedly turned violent.
The disruptive behavior forced the flight to divert from its route and make an emergency landing at Baltimore Washington International Airport. When the plane touched down, police found Lundin bound to his seat with duct tape and zip ties. Two passengers reported they had helped subdue him, and that crew members provided the restraints until landing.
Lundin was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. During a court hearing, he said he had consumed two alcoholic drinks but claimed he doesn't remember what happened afterward.
"I don't remember anything about it," he said when asked about the incident. He added that he was surprised when told he had allegedly assaulted a police officer.
One passenger described the change in his behavior as happening "like a light switch," noting that Lundin had been calm at the start of the flight. Lundin has since been released from custody and the legal proceedings against him continue. His next court hearing is scheduled for October 19.
