Gun Range Owner Duct‑Taped Disruptive Passenger on Flight 618

A New Jersey gun range owner and his employee were identified as the passengers who intervened on American Airlines Flight 618, duct‑taping a disruptive traveler to his seat after a violent outburst.

Richard O’Lenick, owner of Gun for Hire in Woodland Park, and his employee, retired police officer Luan Mejia, were on the Dallas‑to‑Newark flight when 67‑year‑old Arthur Layne Lundeen of Tucson, Arizona, began attacking the passenger next to him. Flight crew attempted to intervene, but Lundeen launched into a racist and homophobic rant, refusing to follow commands, and struck other passengers. O’Lenick said the crew’s efforts were ineffective and that he and Mejia stepped in to protect fellow passengers.

The pair restrained Lundeen with duct tape and zip ties, despite his continued resistance and an alleged bite on Mejia. The passenger was taped to his seat for about fifteen minutes while the flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Upon arrival, Maryland Transportation Authority police arrested Lundeen and charged him with disorderly conduct and second‑degree assault.

The FBI has taken over the investigation and is consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges will be filed. Lundeen waived his right to an attorney at his first court appearance and has a subsequent hearing scheduled for October 19. Long Realty, where Lundeen had been listed as a vice president, has severed ties with him, citing conduct inconsistent with company values. American Airlines issued a statement affirming its commitment to safety and thanking crew members for their professionalism during the incident.