Passenger Restrained With Duct Tape After Alleged Attack on American Airlines Flight

A passenger on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was allegedly restrained with zip ties and duct tape after becoming violent during the journey, forcing the aircraft to divert to Baltimore.

The incident took place roughly two hours into Thursday night’s flight after the passenger’s behaviour reportedly changed abruptly and created a disturbance inside the cabin.

Juan Mejia, a retired law enforcement officer who was among the passengers, described the sudden escalation.

“Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos,” Mejia said.

Mejia said he looked back and witnessed the passenger allegedly attacking the man seated beside him.

“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,” he added.

Mejia and fellow passenger Richard Olenick, who were seated two rows in front of the pair, intervened and helped restrain the passenger.

According to the witnesses, a flight attendant provided zip ties to help secure the man. Duct tape was subsequently placed around his wrists, torso and head to keep him restrained in his seat.

Olenick shared a photograph of the restrained passenger.

The witnesses further alleged that the passenger had directed verbal abuse at a flight attendant, including a racial slur and homophobic remarks, before the alleged physical assault occurred.

The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore, where law enforcement officers boarded and removed the passenger. The flight subsequently resumed its journey to Newark.

American Airlines said it has a zero-tolerance approach to violence and reiterated its commitment to passenger and crew safety.

“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence,” the airline said.

“We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”

The FBI said the passenger remained in custody on state charges as federal investigators worked to establish what happened.

“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,” the agency said.

The identity of the passenger had not been made public when the report was published.

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