Article By David Lindfield
An American Airlines passenger was duct-taped and zip-tied to his seat after allegedly attacking a fellow traveler during a violent midair meltdown.
The chaos forced American Airlines Flight 618, traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark, New Jersey, to make an emergency diversion to Baltimore late Thursday.
Video shows passengers and crew wrestling the unidentified man into his seat and restraining him as he continued to fight back.
By the time the situation was under control, the passenger had been bound with duct tape and zip ties.
Photographs show even his head secured against the seat.
Passenger Allegedly Grabbed Man by the Neck
Witnesses said the flight had been underway for roughly two hours when the cabin suddenly erupted into chaos.
The passenger allegedly began shouting and screaming at the man seated next to him, according to TMZ.
A flight attendant approached in an attempt to calm the situation.
According to TMZ, the passenger allegedly responded by directing a racial slur at the flight attendant, who is black, and shouting anti-gay remarks.
The situation then became physical.
The passenger allegedly attacked the man seated beside him, while a woman who attempted to intervene was reportedly pushed.
Three male passengers then moved in to help.
Retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia was among them.
“Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos,” Mejia told CBS Texas.
“I turned around to look, and the poor gentleman that was sitting next to him in the aisle seat, the individual had his hands around his neck and was, like, assaulting him,” Mejia added.
Passengers Help Crew Restrain Man with Duct Tape
Flight attendants provided the three men with duct tape and zip ties as they worked to restrain the passenger.
Footage shows the group holding him down while securing him to the seat as he continued struggling.
Images from the aftermath show the extent of the restraints, with duct tape and zip ties securing the passenger’s body and his head held against the seat.
WATCH:
The intervention allowed the crew to contain the situation until the aircraft could land safely.
American Airlines later confirmed that Flight 618 had been diverted because of a “disruptive customer.”
“On Sept. 3, American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore (BWI) due to a disruptive customer,” the airline said in a statement.
“Upon arrival, law enforcement met the aircraft and assisted with deplaning the customer before the flight continued to its destination,” American Airlines added.
The airline also thanked those who helped bring the situation under control.
“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,” the company said.
“We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”
FBI Considering Federal Charges
The Federal Aviation Administration also confirmed the diversion.
Once the aircraft landed in Baltimore, Maryland Transportation Police arrested the passenger and booked him on state charges.
The FBI is now investigating whether the alleged conduct also warrants federal prosecution.
“The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed,” an FBI spokesperson told CBS Texas.
The passenger has not been publicly identified.
After authorities removed him from the aircraft, Flight 618 resumed its journey to Newark.
Be the first to comment