The man accused of delivering an erratic outburst aboard a flight bound for Newark Airport has lost his job after photos showed the unusual method used to restrain him.
Arthur Lundeen, of Arizona, reportedly became disruptive on American Airlines Flight 618, which boarded in Dallas, and multiple passengers had to help duct-tape him his seat. Lundeen was arrested by authorities in Maryland after the flight was diverted.
Lundeen was a real estate agent with Long Realty in Tucson and has since been fired from the company, NBC affiliate KVOA reported.
“Upon learning of the incident, Long Realty promptly ended its affiliation with the individual,” Long Realty said, in part, in a lengthy statement on Facebook. “The individual is no longer associated with or authorized to represent Long Realty in any capacity.”
The 67-year-old is facing disorderly conduct and assault charges. Contact information for his attorney was not immediately known.
Two men who work in Woodland Park, New Jersey, witnessed the midair outburst firsthand and jumped into action to help the flight attendants on board.
Richard O’Lenick and Juan Mejia, a former police officer, said Lundeen was shouting racial and homophobic slurs before he started to get physical.
“The flight attendants tried to de-escalate him. They were just getting spit venom from him, derogatory remarks, racial comments,” Mejia said. “So I said to him, if he escalates from there, I’m going to have to get involved.”
The pair said flight attendants first pulled out zip-ties before resorting to duct tape. Mejia said he grabbed the tape and went to work.
“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,” O’Lenick said.
“I’m glad that we were able to do what we did,” O’Lenick added.
The airline released a statement saying that “the safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority.”
