"Bomb scare closes Palomar Airport"

Monday, March 24, 2003

Bomb scare closes Palomar Airport
The San Diego (CA) Union-Tribune


CARLSBAD – A bomb scare closed a North County airport for about 90 minutes
today.

The episode centered on two suitcases a traveler brought to McClellan
Palomar Airport in Carlsbad shortly before 2 p.m., according to police.

Learning that his luggage was too large for the commuter plane he planned to
take to Los Angeles, the man volunteered to buy replacements that conformed
to size guidelines, CPD Lt. William Rowland said.

When he failed to return promptly, officials grew concerned and decided to
examine the bags, getting a positive reading for possible explosive residue.

Security officers then cleared the building and called in a sheriff's bomb
squad. Representatives of the FBI, U.S. Customs Service and Carlsbad police
and firefighting personnel also responded.

As the explosives experts were examining the suspect luggage, the man
returned and agreed to a complete search of it, Rowland said.

No dangerous items or substances were inside, and authorities cleared the
passenger to proceed to LAX to catch his planned international flight,
Rowland said.

The terminal was open again and running normally by 3:30 p.m., the
lieutenant added.

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