Man faces felony after TSA at Bradley International Airport allegedly found box cutter, Taser in carry-on
A Washington state man faces a felony charge after he was arrested earlier this month for allegedly trying to get a plane at Bradley International Airport with a Taser, a box cutter and other prohibited items.
Michael Opdyke, 54, was stopped at a security checkpoint at the airport on March 2 around 5:14 a.m. after an X-ray machine detected the banned items in his carry-on bag, according to a report filed by state police in connection with the arrest.
He faces one count of circumventing airport security.
The report indicates Transportation Security Administration officers found a 7-inch kitchen knife and a pair of scissors in addition to the Taser and box cutter. State police noted in the report that Opdyke has a criminal history dating back to 2010 “and prior” for charges that include burglary, arson and other offenses.
According to the report, Opdyke told authorities he was in the New England area while doing work on boilers on behalf of his employer. He said he lost his debit card and could not afford to check his bags, state police wrote.
Opdyke told authorities he knew the prohibited items were in his carry-on bag because he originally had them in a bag he intended to check in.
The 54-year-old was held on bond following his arrest and has since posted $5,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on March 30.