A 24-year-old man from Bend, Oregon was taken into custody after trying to board a plane with an explosive.
Central Oregon's KTVZ reports that police were called to the Redmond Municipal Airport after Joseph Steeley, 24, tried to go through airport security with a possible explosive device. The Transportation Security Administration screeners stopped Steeley and called police, who responded around 8:25 a.m. on Thursday.
Police say the device was secured immediately and Steeley was taken into custody by the Redmond Police department for further investigation and questioning by the FBI.
The Redmond police, the Oregon State Police and FBI explosives specialists, determined that Steeley was in possession of the explosive without having a license for it.
Police found that Steeley did not intend to use the device to cause trouble.
"At this time, it does not appear Seeley had any intent on causing harm or disruption to travel," Lt. Nathan Garibay said in a news release, reported by KTVZ.
After being questioned, Steeley was cited and released on a single misdemeanor charge of possession of an explosive without a license or permit.
The case will be reviewed by the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office and the U.S. attorney to determine if Steeley should be given further charges.
There was no mention of what kind of explosive Steeley was carrying or where it was, as this information can't be released until further review of the incident.
The TSA will decide when Steeley can fly again.
Traveler Gary Shields of Pineville, OR told KTVZ "Redmond is the last place you think they are going to find something. The bad guys are always trying to find new stuff for new ways and I think the TSA is trying to do a good job at staying on top of things."
Travelers using airports should stay mindful of the items that they carry, as the TSA has very specific guidelines on what is acceptable to bring in carry-ons and checked luggage. In a post-9/11 world, security and safety is taken very seriously.
For a list of items banned from luggage, check out our previous article on the subject.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
