BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A New York man was arrested on Sunday after he told airline staff that he was carrying a bomb on board, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
In an affidavit, deputies said they were initially called to a JetBlue Airways plane at the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Sunday morning.
At the time, a passenger — identified as Robert Albanese, 76 — had apparently become upset after he was unable to find space in the overhead bin for his carry-on luggage, the affidavit shows.
“Witnesses, including flight attendants and a gate agent, advised that the defendant began arguing with airline staff regarding storage of his bag,” the affidavit reads. “Multiple witnesses reported that the defendant stated, ‘I have a bomb in my bag,’ while gesturing toward his carry-on luggage located inside the aircraft cabin.”
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As a result of the bomb threat, the flight — which was preparing to depart from the airport — had to be evacuated, the BCSO revealed.
However, when deputies searched the bag for explosives, it turned out that there weren’t actually any inside, deputies added.
Between the flight delays, operational disruptions, personnel costs and other expenses, the financial impact of the bomb threat amounted to over $1,000, the affidavit states.
Albanese was ultimately arrested and now faces charges of criminal mischief and making a false report of explosives.
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