A 49-year-old man was arrested Saturday after Transportation Security Administration screeners at Sacramento International Airport’s Terminal A flagged a suspicious item in his carry-on bag. Deputies say the luggage held a homemade explosive firework, a knife, zip ties, five cell phones, a torch lighter and aerosol cans. The traveler was detained without incident, booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and now faces state charges that include possession of a dangerous device while investigators try to sort out why he had the gear in the first place.
Authorities are not yet releasing the suspect’s name or his intended destination, according to ABC10. The station reports the incident unfolded in Terminal A and that Sacramento County deputies handled the arrest and booking. Officials say investigators are still working to pin down a motive and to determine whether other agencies will step in.
Items Seized, According To Sheriff’s Office
In a statement, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said deputies recovered a homemade explosive-style firework along with items that could be used to ignite or hide a device. According to the agency, deputies took the traveler into custody without using force and booked him into the county main jail on state charges that include possession of a dangerous device.
How TSA Screening Caught A Possible Threat
TSA screening rules prohibit explosive devices, lighters and pressurized aerosol cans in carry-on luggage, and screeners are required to refer suspected threats to local law enforcement for follow-up, according to the TSA. Items such as zip ties, multiple phones and an obvious ignition source tend to raise eyebrows at checkpoints because they can function as components of improvised devices.
Charges And What Happens Next
The 49-year-old is currently housed at the Sacramento County Main Jail and faces state charges that include possession of a dangerous device, ABC10 reports. Prosecutors with the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office are expected to review the case, and investigators say they are still working to determine the suspect’s intent.
What Travelers Should Keep In Mind
Airport officials are reminding passengers to double-check their carry-on bags before heading to the checkpoint and to leave prohibited items at home or in checked luggage. The TSA's What Can I Bring page lays out what is allowed in carry-on versus checked bags. Sacramento International Airport also continues to urge travelers to arrive early and follow screening instructions to keep lines moving.
No flights were reported delayed or canceled as a result of the screening and arrest, and authorities say they plan to release more information as the investigation continues. This story will be updated if the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office or prosecutors share additional details.
