Traffic Stop in Terminal Forces Travelers Onto Airfield, Security Delays

An LAX terminal was evacuated after a felony traffic stop caused confusion Sunday during Labor Day traveling.

At 9 a.m., airport police stopped a suspected stolen car in front of terminal 3.

Larry McKenney, 35, of Texas, was arrested and charged with two felony counts: possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of methamphetamine in a custodial setting.

Four other people were questioned and released, according to a Los Angeles Worlds Airports press release. 

Out of an abundance of caution while police detained the three in the car, about 20 travelers were moved into the terminal and some through an emergency exit out on the airfield.

Because some travelers who hadn't yet passed through security were moved to the other side of the screening area, the entire terminal had to be evacuated to screen everyone through security once more. LAWA estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 passengers were rescreened. Explosive detecting K-9s and security officers were brought in out of caution.

Mayor Eric Garcetti released a statement following the incident.

"I understand that events around the world have caused travelers everywhere to have a heightened level of concern for their safety. The millions of people whose journeys begin, end, or pass through LAX should know that it has the finest, most prepared airport police force and federal security personnel in the nation — and that their safety and protection will always be our number-one priority," Garcetti said.

As of 12 p.m., security checks on both floors of terminal 3 were open.

At one point in the afternoon, the line of those waiting to be screened through TSA stretched two terminals back from terminal 3 to the Tom Bradley International terminal.

Flights are on schedule Sunday evening, but a total of 18 at terminal 3 were impacted after the security breach. 

JetBlue, Frontier, Allegiant Air, Spirit, Virgin American and Boutique Air use the terminal.