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Man Detained After Bomb Threat Evacuates BWI

The passenger reportedly became frustrated at not being able to re-enter the baggage claim area and uttered a threat. BWI was evacuated as a precaution, but no device was found.

A traveler at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has been questioned after making an alleged bomb threat, the Washington Post reports. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at BWI and triggered the evacuation of the airport’s A and B security zones.

The outlet reports that 46-year-old Jason C. Hallenbeck left his carry-on luggage unattended at a baggage claim area within the airport and then attempted to return to retrieve it. Hallenbeck was denied entry to this secure area and reportedly became frustrated. At this point, reports Deputy Bruce Bouch of the Maryland State Police Fire Marshal’s Office, “He made a comment about it being a potential bomb involved.”

Acting “out of an abundance of caution,” authorities at BWI then made the decision to evacuate the facility’s A and B security zones. Hallenbeck’s bag was then subjected to an X-ray. While officials initially spotted what appeared to be an explosive device via the screening, no explosive was found when the bag was examined via a robot.

Bouch confirmed that there was indeed no threat to BWI’s passengers or staff, who were allowed to enter back into the facility after having been evacuated for five hours. Passengers were asked to check with their carriers regarding any potential delays.

He also confirmed that Hallenbeck has been taken into custody and was undergoing questioning from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.

The Maryland Transportation Authority issued an official statement regarding the incident, saying that Hallenbeck has been charged with making a false statement regarding a destructive device as well as interfering with security procedures at BWI.

[Photo: Shutterstock]

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sdsearch August 25, 2017

This story as reported by the Washington Post makes little sense (about him not being allowed back into the baggage claim area). Other sources apparently are saying he was at a boarding gate, and went outside to smoke but left his bag inside, and that sounds more believable.