Plane passenger duct-taped to seat mid-flight breaks silence on shocking incident
A plane passenger who was duct-taped to a seat after unleashing violence mid-flight has finally broken his silence on the horrific incident.
Flight attendants were forced to duct tape Arthur Lundeen to his chair after he was allegedly racist toward air staff and violent towards fellow passengers.
Scenes of chaos erupted in first class during the journey from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on 3 September, with Lundeen arrested and now appearing in court.
Travellers who witnessed the incident onboard American Airlines flight 618 later spoke out about the ordeal which unravelled two hours after take off.
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Retired police officer Juan Mejia claims to have been bitten by Lundeen after intervening, while Richard O'Lenick, also on board, says he also attempted to do the same to him.
The pair were sat two rows behind the unruly 67-year-old when he suddenly 'started to become abusive and using profanity', they previously told CNN.
Mejia and O'Lenick claim that Lundeen also used 'racial and homophobic slurs' after allegedly striking two passengers who were sat nearby.
O'Lenick said he also spent 15 minutes sitting on Lundeen's lap while the flight was diverted to Maryland. Lundeen was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
He was also dropped from his job as vice president at a real estate company, with the firm Long Realty later announcing Lundeen was no longer affiliated with them.
"What a mess... I don't remember any of it"
Now, the 67-year-old has spoken out for the first time, claiming to not remember anything about the traumatic incident.
As per The Banner, which obtained audio of his appearance at an Annapolis court, he said: “I don’t remember any of what happened.
"I assaulted a police officer? Is that what it says? I don’t have my glasses.”
And as the accusations were read out against him, Lundeen muttered: “Oh my God. What a mess. I don’t remember any of it.”
It was reported that the 67-year-old was released after his court appearance and ordered to abstain from drugs and alcohol, except for any prescriptions.
At the time of the incident, American Airlines said in a statement: "On 3 September, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer.
"Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence.
"We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding."
Topics: US News
James Holt