Replica Explosive Device Set Off Warning Bells at Newark Airport

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities have charged a traveler from Israel with creating a false public alarm after a replica explosive device set off warning bells at Newark Airport on Tuesday.

Police temporarily shut down part of Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport around 6:45 a.m. after officers found a "suspicious item” at a screening checkpoint. The terminal resumed normal operations shortly afterward, the Port Authority stated.

Port Authority officials said that the third level of the terminal was closed due to "police activity." Other checkpoints at the terminal remained open during the incident, officials stated.

Following the inspection, police deemed the suspicious item "harmless" and Terminal C resumed normal operations with residual delays, a Port Authority spokesperson said.

Police charged Alon Felman, 50, a resident of Israel, with Creating A False Public Alarm and Interference with Transportation.

Felman allegedly said that he was headed to a police training seminar in Panama City, Florida after arriving in Newark on a flight from Tel Aviv, Israel. The item was to be used as part of the training, NJ.com reported.

• See related article: 'Staten Island Hustle' Charges Dropped After Newark 'Bomb' Arrest

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: TSA