Key Chain Resembling Hand Grenade Disrupts LAX Screening Operations

Screening operations were disrupted at a Los Angeles International Airport terminal today while the bomb squad checked out a device that turned out to be a key chain resembling a hand grenade, an official said.

The bomb squad was called to Terminal 3 at 2:30 p.m., and gave the all- clear about 45 minutes later, said Nancy Castles of Los Angeles World Airports.

"It was a partial shutdown of the passenger screening lanes," she said. "People were still getting through."

The key chain was apparently found in a traveler's carry-on luggage.

"Airport, airline and law enforcement officials continually remind passengers not to bring prohibited items to passenger screening or to pack prohibited items in their checked luggage," Castles said.

"These types of items, while legal to have in the United States, are prohibited in an airport environment, and they will be confiscated," she added. "This creates delays and inconveniences fellow passengers, and the owners are always detained and interviewed by federal law enforcement officials."

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.