San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested at Los Angeles Airport Sunday after police said he claimed he had a bomb during a confrontational security search.
The Daily Mail reported Mr. Smith was arrested for making a “false report of a bomb,” and he could face up to a year in jail. He shortly after posted bond for $20,000, the newspaper reported.
Police say Mr. Smith was randomly selected for a second security screening and that’s when he became “belligerent,” they said, The Daily Mail reported.
“The suspect then became belligerent and uncooperative with the process and with the TSA agent, making a comment indicating that he was in possession of a bomb before proceeding towards the gate area,” Sgt. Karla Ortiz said, the paper reported. “Los Angeles Airport Police made contact with him at the gate, and he was positively identified as the person in question. Once again, the male subject became uncooperative, and he was detained and taken into custody by Airport Police.”
An eyewitness told the San Jose Mercury News that Mr. Smith was simply frustrated.
“He wasn’t out of control,” John Egan said, to the local newspaper. “Just agitated.”
The Associated Press said a message seeking comment from Smith’s agent wasn’t immediately returned.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.