PA Man Accused Of Trying To Bring Explosives On Flight

ALLENTOWN, PA — A Pennsylvania man was arrested Tuesday after he tried to bring explosives in his suitcase on a flight from Lehigh Valley to Florida, according to the TSA and court documents obtained by CNN.

The documents identify the man as Marc Muffley, 40, who was heading to Orlando Sanford International Airport, according to CNN. 6ABC reported that Muffley is from Lansford.

The TSA said in a news release that the device was detected during a routine screening of checked baggage. Muffley's suitcase triggered an alarm when it entered the baggage screening unit, prompting the TSA to physically inspect the luggage, the agency said.

Out of "an abundance of caution," part of the airport was evacuated and the Lehigh- Northampton Airport Authority Police and the FBI were notified.

Authorities determined that the item was indeed an explosive device, the agency said.

The device hidden in the bag's lining was a circular compound, about 3 inches in diameter, that had two fuses and powder concealed in wax paper and plastic wrap, according to the criminal complaint obtained by ABC.

The "powder is suspected to be a mixture of flash powder and the dark granules that are used in commercial grade fireworks," the complaint said. "The black powder and flash powder are susceptible to ignite from heat and friction and posed a significant risk to the aircraft and passengers."

“Transportation Security Officers are highly trained and highly skilled professionals at the front line of aviation security who are focused on their mission and catches such as this illustrate the point,” TSA Federal Security Director Karen Keys-Turner said in the release.

“This is an example of how the strong partnerships we have established with the airport authority, FBI and local law enforcement came together to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public. I commend our entire TSA team at Lehigh Valley International Airport and the professional manner in which this incident was handled.”