(Photo by Ken Robinson / WTAM)
(CLEVELAND) - Edward Maher, 45, of New York, told police the fees charged by Delta to check his guitar were too expensive, so he abandoned it at Hopkins International Airport - events that led to a bomb scare, a complete shutdown of the airport and hundreds of travelers missing their flights.
Cleveland police have charged Maher with inducing panic for the Tuesday afternoon incident. According to a police report, Maher told police he had already checked two bags and had limited money leftover for food. A baggage handler spotted the abandoned guitar case and called the TSA, who then contacted Cleveland Police. After a few hours and a final search, the airport reopened. The case only contained a guitar, and the man was allowed to fly to his destination in New York. According to the Delta Air Lines website, when flying within North America the first checked bag will cost $25, while your second bag will be $35.