JFK security arrest El Al pilot over retractable baton

Israeli El Al airline pilot  was detained by Port Authority police at New York’s JFK airport after his baton was found inside his luggage

Shahar Chai

 

An Israeli El Al pilot was detained at New York‘s Kennedy Airport for trying to bring a retractable baton onto a flight, the New York Post reported Monday.

El Al – Photo: Reuters

According to the report, the pilot was headed to his flight Saturday, when security at Terminal 4 spotted the weapon stashed in his luggage, JKF officials said.

Following airport protocol, he was arrested by Port Authority police and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, which is a misdemeanor.

The Queens District Attorney’s Office said the he is now awaiting arraignment by the Queens Criminal Court.

An El Al statement said: “The first officer was detained following a routine security check after an item relating to martial arts was found in his luggage, against procedure. He was questioned and released.”

 

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4304513,00.html