Person in custody for making 'precautionary statements' prompting terminal roadway closure at BWI Airport

BALTIMORE -- One person is in custody for making "precautionary statements" to an officer at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport that forced the terminal roadway to shut down Wednesday afternoon, an MDTA official said. 

The investigation unfolded near the lower-level terminal around 2:30 p.m. before the "all clear" was given about three hours later, according to Maryland Transportation Authority spokesman Cpt. Kevin Ayd.

"Our officers found it necessary to take precautionary measures and investigate those comments," Ayd said.  

Investigators remained tight-lipped about what exactly the person was alleged to have said, citing an active investigation.

"We want to investigate everything," Ayd said. "We don't want to make any comments that might not be accurate. We take every precautionary measure and investigate it thoroughly to make sure we get the investigation correct if there is the potential for criminal charges. We also don't want to hurt the criminal investigation."

A red four-door sedan was towed away from the scene in connection to the case, Ayd confirmed to WJZ. 

During the incident, traffic was at a standstill and people inside part of the airport had to stay in place.

Jonathan Dean, the communications director for BWI, said in a statement that "throughout the incident, BWI Marshall Airport officials provided updates for airport customers."

"Multiple audio announcements were made in the terminal to update travelers," the statement said. "The airport website provided an alert message, which was updated multiple times. The airport's social media channels offered updated information throughout the incident."

Dean said people were asked to remain in the airport terminal and away from the curbside in the terminal roadway but there was no evacuation.

Once operations resumed as normal, delays on the roadway still prompted some people to walk from the terminal to parking garages as was the case for passenger, Anthony Schaffer. 

"I've been traveling for a good bit now and I've never seen anything like that before," Schaffer said.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said Light Rail service for BWI is operating once again following the investigation. 

Police said their investigators will work with the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office on whether to file charges in this case. 

Officials are expected to provide updates on the investigation.