Incident at Midland International Airport

At approximately 9 a.m., TSA officers at Midland International Airport (Midland, Texas) detected a suspicious item in a carry-on bag during X-ray screening. TSA officials notified law enforcement, who responded to the scene. To ensure the safety of the traveling public, the security checkpoint was closed for approximately one hour while officials investigated and removed the item from the checkpoint area.

Trey Scott Atwater, of Hope Mills, NC, was arrested on a complaint for a violation of 49 U.S.C. § 46505(b)(3). This statute prohibits persons from getting on, or attempting to get on, an aircraft intended for operation in intrastate air transportation while having an explosive on or about their person.

At no time was there any danger to the people at Midland International Airport or the community of Midland, Texas.

This case was successfully investigated by the Midland Police Department, Midland FBI, and TSA.

Contact:
Special Agent Martha Terrazas
915.832.5348