A man was duct-taped to his seat and restrained with a zip tie after allegedly becoming violent during a flight in the United States, CNN reported.
The incident happened aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was travelling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark when the crew reported a disturbance to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The man, who was seated in first class, reportedly became belligerent more than halfway through the flight, prompting the aircraft to divert to Baltimore for an emergency landing on Thursday night (Sept 3).
According to a fellow passenger, a flight attendant initially attempted to calm the situation, but the man became increasingly agitated.
He allegedly struck the passenger sitting next to him before hitting a woman who attempted to intervene. The eyewitness also said the man used racial and homophobic slurs during the incident.
As passengers tried to restrain him, the man reportedly became more physical and attempted to bite those trying to subdue him. He was subsequently restrained using duct tape, with passengers taking care not to cover his mouth to avoid affecting his breathing.
One passenger involved in restraining the man said concerns were heightened because the 25th anniversary of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks was approaching, adding to the anxiety among those on board.
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police met the aircraft after it landed safely at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The FBI said one man was arrested, although his identity was not disclosed. The flight later continued to Newark after he was removed.
CNN reported that duct tape and flexible handcuffs are among items carried on some commercial aircraft for situations where violent or disruptive passengers need to be restrained.
