Unexpected Discovery at Watertown International Airport
A recent security screening at Watertown International Airport (ART) in upstate New York took an unexpected turn when TSA officers found a spent smoke grenade tucked inside an aerosol container in a passenger’s carry-on bag. This unusual finding came to light following a release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on September 24.
During a routine check, the TSA officers discovered the spent M18 smoke grenade. TSA Officer Yessenia Alvarez, operating the X-ray machine at the time, noted that she was uneasy about the item, which didn’t seem right. “I called over Lead TSA Officer Melissa Graffam and mentioned I didn’t have a good feeling about it,” Alvarez said. She expressed her surprise at seeing the item on the screen, indicating that it resembled things she had encountered in training scenarios.
Graffam echoed Alvarez’s concerns, remarking that the item looked odd when viewed on the X-ray. “The top of the can didn’t look right but seemed empty,” she stated. It was found in the side pocket of the bag, which prompted her to investigate further, leading to the confirmation of the smoke grenade.
Graffam mentioned how peculiar it was to find such an item—typically, officers might come across prohibited items like knives or large liquids at this small airport. When asked about the grenade, the passenger claimed he had forgotten it was in his bag, a response Graffam found strange given that his bag contained only a few items.
Following the discovery, Lead TSA Officer Debra Alcock, who was acting as a supervisor, contacted the Syracuse TSA Coordination Center and a TSA explosives expert. They quickly verified that the grenade was not live. Alcock noted this was one of the more memorable finds in her time with the agency, commending the teamwork displayed during the situation.
Brian Bushnell, the federal security director for upstate New York’s airports, remarked that the incident serves as a reminder for travelers to check their bags before heading to the airport. He cautioned that spent, inert, or replica explosive items are prohibited and can lead to delays and law enforcement responses. Bushnell advised, “When in doubt, travelers should leave the item at home or check TSA’s resources before packing.”
Interestingly, while many think that spent grenades are harmless, officials stress they can still pose risks. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has even issued alerts concerning vintage grenades. This is a crucial point to remember; after all, no one wants to recreate this kind of surprise at the airport.
In a related incident at Tampa International Airport, TSA Officer Andrew Carter spotted something suspicious in a passenger’s carry-on—a flashlight that didn’t quite seem right. Upon closer examination, he discovered a concealed 4-inch knife hidden inside a baseball bat-shaped flashlight. This serves as another cautionary tale about the unexpected hazards travelers might inadvertently carry.
