Man with box cutter in shoe stopped - but not arrested - at Harrisburg International Airport
The man gave differing stories about why he had a box cutter concealed in his shoe, a news release states.
Teresa BoeckelOfficers stopped a man who brought a utility knife and box cutters — including one hidden in his shoe — to Harrisburg International Airport over the weekend, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
The man, who was not named, removed his shoes to go through the checkpoint X-ray machine on Sunday, the news release states. That's when a small, flat box cutter was found under the inside lining of one of his shoes.
Officers also found two other flat box cutters and a standard hand-held cutter/utility knife in his checked bag, the release states.
More:Central Pa. man brings loaded handgun to Harrisburg International Airport, TSA says
More:Tons of pollutants trapped by dam could mean 'dead zone' in Chesapeake Bay, experts say
More:Charges dropped: York County man takes loaded handgun to HIA, police say
"When asked why there was a box cutter in his shoe, the man changed his story several times, claiming that he worked for a delivery service, that it slipped in, and that he didn’t know how it could have suddenly appeared under the lining of the sole of one of his dress shoes," the release states.
The man was not arrested, said Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the TSA. It is not a crime to be in possession of box cutters or utility knives.
However, the terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001 used box cutters, "so TSA does take it very seriously," she said.
When officers had possession of the blades, they no longer posed a threat, she said.
The man was allowed to catch his flight.