A serious incident on board shook an American Airlines flight in the United States after a 67-year-old man allegedly became aggressive toward crew members and passengers, forcing the plane to divert and prompting police intervention after an emergency landing in Baltimore.
Flight diverted after tensions on board
According to Maryland police and the airline, the incident involved Flight AA 618, which had departed from Dallas bound for Newark. The situation on board deteriorated to the point that the aircraft was forced to change course and land at Baltimore/Washington International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the emergency landing took place at around 10:15 p.m., while the FBI has also joined the investigation into the episode.
Passenger was restrained in his seat
Authorities said the 67-year-old, identified as Arthur Ludin of Arizona, was arrested as soon as the plane touched down in Baltimore. During the incident, he had been tied to his seat with adhesive tape, while his hands were placed in restraints.
Two passengers who intervened remained beside him until officers boarded the aircraft and took him into custody.
What witnesses on board claim
According to one passenger, Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, the tension erupted when the flight was about three-quarters of the way through the journey. He claimed the 67-year-old began insulting crew members and other travelers, using racist language and offensive comments toward several women seated behind him.
Mejia and another passenger, Richard Olenick, said they stepped in after the man became physically aggressive. So far, this remains the version presented by witnesses and the authorities investigating the incident.
Charges and continuation of the flight
According to the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, the 67-year-old has been charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault over what happened on board the plane.
After the arrest, the flight later continued on to Newark, according to a statement from American Airlines.
The incident has renewed attention on how violent episodes are managed on commercial flights and on the burden that, in such cases, initially falls on crew members and passengers before authorities on the ground can intervene.