TSA officer. Photo: Shutterstock A homemade explosive device was discovered in a passenger’s carry-on bag at Omaha's Eppley Airfield Airport (OMA), according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The TSA said it found the device during passenger screening. Authorities promptly arrested the passenger after the discovery.
The Omaha Police Department took control of the explosive device and removed it from the airport. The agency described the discovery as a “great catch” in a post on social media.
TSA agents allegedly found the suspected explosive device hidden inside a prescription-style pill bottle in his carry-on luggage, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Che Kristian Salpas was charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska with violating 18 U.S.C. § 844(g)(1), which prohibits carrying an explosive into an airport. The offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
According to the affidavit, Omaha Police Department contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after Salpas was found with the suspected device inside Eppley Airfield.
Salpas was scheduled to fly Delta Flight 3815 from Omaha to Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 5.
TSA officers reportedly noticed a butane lighter in Salpas’ carry-on bag and pulled him aside after he confirmed ownership of the luggage. During a physical examination of the bag, TSA found the suspected explosive device concealed inside a prescription-style pill bottle.
Firecracker representation. Photo: ShutterstockThe affidavit says the device was a fully enclosed cardboard tube measuring approximately four inches long and one inch in diameter. A green hobby or cannon fuse was inserted into the middle of the tube. Investigators also found a butane lighter and two Zippo-style lighters in the bag.
Lighter representation. Photo: ShutterstockTSA explosive specialist Garret Stoker contacted the Omaha Police Department Bomb Squad. According to the affidavit, Sgt. Kristopher Gates, who has training and experience in explosives investigations, examined the device and said its construction was indicative of an M-Series explosive device.
An X-ray showed that the tube appeared to be completely filled with powder. Gates told investigators that the material inside appeared to be energetic material based on his training and the X-ray.
However, authorities had not yet confirmed that the material was explosive. The device was not opened at the airport because of safety concerns. Instead, the bomb squad transported it to an explosive evidence locker, where it was being held until a thermal susceptibility test could safely be conducted.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Salpas agreed to speak with FBI, ATF and airport law enforcement officials without an attorney present, according to the affidavit.
Salpas told investigators that he had seen the device at his parents’ home in Lincoln on September 2 but denied putting it in his luggage. He said he had removed items from his bags and saw what he described as a “firecracker,” along with lighters and rocks, but did not know who had repacked the bags.
When TSA discovered the pill bottle, Salpas reportedly told agents that the item “shouldn’t have been in his bag.” He also said he did not know who the alleged firecracker belonged to.
The affidavit states that Eppley Airfield is subject to Federal Aviation Administration regulatory authority and that Salpas did not have written permission to possess an explosive on airport property.
The ATF agent concluded that there was probable cause to believe Salpas unlawfully possessed a suspected explosive at the airport and requested an arrest warrant.
The case remains pending in federal court. An initial appearance for Salpas was scheduled for September 8 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson, according to the District of Nebraska court calendar.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court, and Salpas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.