Philadelphia Police say the anonymous tip of a suspicious person on board a US Airways plane appears to have been a hoax.
Working off of an anonymous tip, police, members of the bomb squad and federal agents descended on Philadelphia International Airport for a report of a suspicious man that was on board a US Airways flight.
In an 11 a.m. news conference, investigators say this appears to be a hoax and that there was never an emergency situation. Police say the person behind this incident now could face "serious" federal charges.
Flight 1267 departed at 8:00 from PHL. It was headed to Dallas when it was turned around shortly after take-off.
After returning to PHL, bomb sniffing dogs and agents immediately searched the plane.
Fox 29 crews at the scene report a man was escorted off the plane. Police say the man was not carrying anything dangerous or illegal. He has since been booked to travel on another flight.
Throughout the incident, the airport remained open and flights continued to take off and land.
Investigators say the plane has since been cleared.
Police say the entire incident began at 7:30 a.m., when Philadelphia Police airport headquarters received a phone call that alleged a suspicious man was attempting to board a flight leaving the airport. Police say the caller gave a name. They are not releasing any other information about the wording of the call or on the individual who placed the call.
Police say the information received from the call was then passed on to members of the FBI, TSA and other investigators at the airport.
A decision was then made to bring the flight back to the airport.
Stay with Fox 29 News and myfoxphilly.com for the latest information on this story.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
