An American Airlines flight was forced to divert its route after a 67-year-old man, identified as Arthur Lundeen, caused a disruption midflight on Thursday, September 3. The unruly passenger onboard Flight AA 618 was strapped to his seat with duct tape, and his hands were secured with zip ties by fellow passengers after he created a ruckus.

Flight 618 was en route to Newark, having taken off from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, when the crew reported the disruptive behavior to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). American Airlines issued a statement saying, "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence."

Lundeen, a native of Arizona, was arrested by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police after the flight made an emergency landing. The FAA did not immediately provide details regarding what triggered the midflight disturbance, stating that an investigation is ongoing. The incident prompted the aircraft to divert to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport around 10:15 p.m. ET.

Multiple media reports confirmed that two passengers stayed with Lundeen until law enforcement officials boarded the aircraft upon landing in Baltimore to take him into custody. "We weren't looking to hurt this individual; we were looking more to restrain him and control him, so it didn't escalate to go any further," said Juan Mejia, one of the passengers involved.

According to American Airlines, Lundeen was offloaded from the plane, and the flight subsequently resumed its journey to Newark.