Intruder at Tampa airport not deemed security threat
A man who yesterday scaled a perimeter fence and was apprehended on the runway at Tampa airport has not been deemed a security risk, airport officials said.
Alexander Ortega 27, was caught within three minutes of entering the airport, said spokeswoman Janet Zink.
Zink also said he was issued with a trespass warning and taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation.
Ortega reportedly has a history of mental illness.
Zink said airport police quickly determined the unarmed Ortega did not pose a threat to security.
He was detained after crossing an operational runway which caused slight delays to two departing flights.
There have been calls to beef up perimeter security at airports nationwide after a teen stowaway managed to escape detection at San Jose airport and flew to Hawaii hidden in an aircraft wheel well.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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