Crime & Safety
Maryland Flight Diversion: Man Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison
Baltimore, MD – An Arizona man has been indicted on federal charges after an alleged midair assault and confrontation with flight crew members forced a commercial flight traveling from Dallas to Newar
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-14T20:35:55.115Z
Baltimore, MD – An Arizona man has been indicted on federal charges after an alleged midair assault and confrontation with flight crew members forced a commercial flight traveling from Dallas to Newark to make an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland, Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, faces charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants, along with assault by striking, beating and wounding.
Flight Diverted After Alleged Midair Assault
Federal prosecutors allege the incident occurred Sept. 3, 2026, aboard a flight traveling from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey.
According to the indictment, Lundeen allegedly assaulted another passenger, prompting the aircraft to divert to BWI Airport.
Prosecutors further allege Lundeen interfered with flight attendants and crew members attempting to perform their duties.
Authorities Detail Alleged Disruptive Behavior
Investigators allege Lundeen made physical contact with a flight attendant or crew member, disregarded instructions and directed abusive language, including racial slurs, toward airline personnel.
The indictment also describes allegedly aggressive and hostile behavior toward other passengers.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers assigned to BWI Airport took Lundeen into custody after the aircraft landed.
Federal Charges Carry Significant Penalties
If convicted, Lundeen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for interference with flight crew members and attendants.
The separate assault charge carries a maximum penalty of one year.
Federal officials emphasize that actual sentences depend on sentencing guidelines and other factors considered by the court.
The indictment was announced Tuesday, Oct. 13, by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, alongside representatives of the FBI Baltimore Field Office and Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
The FBI and MDTA Police investigated the incident with assistance from federal transportation and border protection agencies.
Lundeen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.