Man Accused of Attempting to Bring Knives, Smoke Grenades Onto Plane at Columbia Airport

Posted 11/7/22

A man entering the Columbia Metropolitan Airport was found to be carrying knives, smoke grenades, stun knuckles and batons, and pepper spray, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get 50% of all subscriptions for a limited time. Subscribe today.

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Man Accused of Attempting to Bring Knives, Smoke Grenades Onto Plane at Columbia Airport

Posted

A man entering the Columbia Metropolitan Airport was found to be carrying knives, smoke grenades, stun knuckles and batons, and pepper spray, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.

Per a release, David Lee Angell, a 51-year-old from Columbia, was stopped at a Transportation Security Administration screening as he attempted to board a plane at the airport in West Columbia.  A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office told the Chronicle the alleged incident took place Oct. 27.

“His carry-on baggage alerted on prohibited items,” the release states, citing testimony from an FBI agent during Angell’s bond hearing. “A search of his carry-on revealed that he was carrying three smoke grenades, one set of plastic stun knuckles, three stun batons, two knives, and two cans of pepper spray in his carry-on bag. All of these items are prohibited from being in a passenger’s carry-on baggage.”

Angell was arrested by the FBI and charged with “knowing and willfully entering into an airport area in violation of security requirements” and has been detained following a contested bond hearing that took place Nov.  2, according to the spokesperson.

“United States Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges ordered Angell detained without bond pending the resolution of the federal charges against him,” the release states.

“As a result of the federal charge, Angell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one year. The offense listed in the complaint is merely an allegation, and Angell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

The FBI, Columbia Metropolitan Department of Public Safety, and TSA continue to investigate the incident, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle Klein is prosecuting the case. 

The airport declined to comment on the incident.

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.

columbia metropolitan airport, knives on plane, lexington county crime, u.s. attorney's office south carolina

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here