An Arizona real estate agent was detained by fellow passengers and subsequently arrested after reportedly engaging in disruptive behavior and making racist and homophobic remarks during a recent flight, authorities said.

Layne Arthur Lundeen, 67, faces misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and second-degree assault following the incident aboard an American Airlines flight on September 3. The flight, traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport, was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after approximately two hours when flight crew and passengers encountered a disruptive individual, according to an American Airlines statement.

Passengers Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, and Richard Olenick intervened after Lundeen allegedly hurled racial slurs and offensive language directed at other passengers and airline staff. The pair helped restrain Lundeen by zip-tying and duct-taping him to his seat until authorities arrived. Photographs of Lundeen bound in this manner circulated widely on social media, drawing significant public attention.

Following the emergency landing at Baltimore around 10:15 p.m., Maryland Transportation Authority Police took Lundeen into custody. Court documents indicate he was released on his own recognizance the following day. Lundeen’s next scheduled court appearance in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is set for October 19.

The incident prompted Tucson-based Long Realty Company, where Lundeen was listed as a vice-president, broker, and realtor, to issue a statement on September 7 distancing itself from the agent. The company announced it had terminated its affiliation with Lundeen, emphasizing that his reported conduct was inconsistent with its standards for professionalism, integrity, and respect.

American Airlines confirmed the disruptive incident and the subsequent diversion but did not provide detailed commentary on Lundeen’s specific actions beyond classifying them as disruptive behavior.

Attempts to reach Lundeen for comment were unsuccessful as of Tuesday. The episode adds to a series of high-profile cases involving unruly passenger conduct sometimes described as “air rage,” raising ongoing concerns about safety and conflict management onboard commercial flights.