01/26/10

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ An Idaho man has been charged with a
misdemeanor for allegedly hiding hacksaw and box cutter blades in
bags to carry onto an airplane at Salt Lake City International
Airport.

The 42-year-old Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, man was charged in
Utah's 3rd District Court on Monday with possession of dangerous
weapons or firearms in airport secure areas, a class A misdemeanor.

Charges say Transportation Security Administration employees on
Nov. 8 found a total of four blades concealed inside the bags of
the man and his girlfriend, who were traveling to Central America.

Court documents say the man said he feared for their safety once
they landed. Court papers say he said his girlfriend was unaware
two of the blades were hidden in her carry-on backpack.


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