67-year-old taped to his seat during flight: In court, he says he remembers nothing

A 67-year-old passenger from the United States told a court that he does not remember the incident during which he was restrained with duct tape to his seat on an American Airlines flight, an event that also led to the plane being diverted.

The flight departed Dallas, Texas, on September 3, bound for Newark, New Jersey. Because of the situation on board, the plane was diverted and made an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport.

After the plane landed, authorities arrested Layne Lundeen. According to reports, he was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault.

During the court hearing held the following day, Lundeen said he was unaware of what had happened.

When the charges were read to him, he reacted with surprise: “I assaulted a police officer? That’s what it says here? I don’t have my glasses. Oh my God, what a mess… I don’t remember anything.”

According to the testimony of several travelers, the 67-year-old had used vulgar language and made offensive comments during the flight.

Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer and one of the passengers who helped subdue Lundeen, told ABC that the American was suspected of directing “derogatory comments” at staff and other passengers, including racist and homophobic insults.

Richard Olenick told CNN that Lundeen was suspected of trying to hit the passenger sitting next to him, as well as a woman who intervened.

Olenick, who also took part in restraining him, explained that the duct tape significantly limited Lundeen’s movements but did not completely prevent him from resisting.

The airline responded by emphasizing that protecting passengers and staff remains its top priority and that violence is not tolerated.

“The safety and protection of our customers and team members are our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,” the company said, thanking its staff for their professionalism and passengers for their understanding.

The investigation and legal proceedings against Layne Lundeen are still ongoing.