05.09.2026 20:40
A person who caused a disturbance on a passenger plane in the USA was subdued using an unusual method. The attacker, reported to have assaulted surrounding passengers, was first neutralized with plastic handcuffs, and then, to prevent further resistance, was taped to a seat with duct tape. Following the incident, the plane was diverted to Baltimore for an emergency landing.
An incident caused by a passenger on an American Airlines flight departing from Dallas Fort Worth to Newark sparked panic. The individual, reported to have attacked passengers around them and caused a disturbance during the flight, was first subdued with plastic handcuffs, and then, as the plane was directed for an emergency landing, was strapped to a seat with duct tape.
SUDDENLY STARTED ASSAULTING DURING THE FLIGHT
While American Airlines flight 618 was en route from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark, tense moments unfolded in the cabin. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the flight crew had reported an incident caused by a passenger.
According to passengers Richard Olenick and Juan Mejia, who spoke to CNN, a passenger seated a few rows behind the first-class section began exhibiting aggressive behavior when more than half of the flight had been completed.
FIRST ATTACKED PASSENGERS
Allegedly, the passenger, whom a flight attendant tried to intervene with, grew increasingly angrier. It was reported that he first struck a passenger next to him, and then hit a woman who tried to stop him.
As the incident escalated, retired New Jersey police officer Juan Mejia stood up to intervene. Richard Olenick also joined the incident after Mejia.
The two passengers, stating that the passenger was hurling curses and using racist and homophobic slurs, said the flight attendant gave plastic handcuffs to them and a third person.
HANDCUFFS WERE NOT ENOUGH, THEY RESORTED TO DUCT TAPE
The three individuals bound the resisting passenger's hands with plastic handcuffs; the passenger was reported to have shouted, “Let me go.” However, the passenger's resistance continued.
Allegedly, the suspect then bit Mejia and attempted to bite Olenick. Thereupon, using the duct tape provided by the flight attendant, the passenger was secured to his seat.
Olenick said the passenger's mouth was not taped to avoid obstructing his breathing.
PLANE DIVERTED TO BALTIMORE FOR EMERGENCY LANDING
It was reported that the passenger continued to resist despite being strapped to the seat. Olenick stated that the measure significantly restricted the individual's mobility but did not completely calm him down.
The plane was then diverted to Baltimore, Maryland, for an emergency landing. Olenick described how, during the approximately 15 minutes until landing, he sat on the lap of the passenger secured to the seat to try to prevent another attack.
AMERICAN AIRLINES: WE DO NOT TOLERATE VIOLENCE
In a statement following the incident, American Airlines said the safety of passengers and crew is their top priority.
The company thanked the flight crew for their professionalism and other passengers for their understanding, while emphasizing that they do not tolerate violent behavior on aircraft.