Band's sticker triggers bomb threat

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - The owner of a bicycle was arrested Monday evening after police investigated a bomb scare at Memphis International Airport.

"We cleared out a portion of the terminal building," John Greaud, Vice President of Operations at Memphis International Airport, said.

The incident happened when an officer noticed an alarming sticker stuck on the bike.

"We had a K-9 bomb dog respond," Greaud said. "They cleared the scene and indicated that it was not an explosive," he added.

Police would not let Action News 5 to get up close to the bike, but we could see the sticker just above the chain. It read "This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb."


"This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb" is the name of a folk-punk band from Pensacola, Florida. The band's bumper stickers have caused chaos at other airports in the past.

Monday night in Memphis, air traffic was not interrupted. But things were at a stand-still on the roads leading into Memphis International as part of Terminal C was evacuated. In some cases, travelers got out of their taxis and walked to try and make their flights.

"I saw a bunch of cops going over the bankings, going around people, cars waiting in traffic," traveler Dwayne Lapate said.

He was glad "something" turned out to be "nothing."

"Unfortunately, this is one of those things you can't plan for in great detail," Greaud said.

Airport officials say they're never willing to take a chance.

The FBI is now handling this case due to the nature of the incident. There's no word on the identity of the bike's owner or if formal charges have been filed. We're told he was not a traveler, but was at the airport to see someone off or welcome them home.
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