FBI is now leading an investigation as Transportation Security Administration officers found explosives at Midland's International Airport. Midland is just more than two hours away from Lubbock.
Spokeswoman for the City of Midland, Tasa Watts, said just before 9:30 Saturday morning TSA agents found the explosives. Watts said agents evacuated and cleared the airport terminal.
"The explosives are in the possession of the Midland Police Department," Watts said. "I have been told the explosives were wrapped in military grade wrapping, the grade of the explosives are undermined at this time; the subject and the individual is in custody of the FBI."
TSA released a statement stating the explosives were found in a carry-on bag during x-ray screening. TSA agents notified law enforcement who responded to the scene.
The airport was cleared for a little more than an hour. Watts said the impact on flights was very minimal with no cancellations, and normal operations have resumed.
The suspect is 30-year-old Trey Scott Atwater. FBI spokesman Mike Martinez said Atwater is currently in the Midland County Jail and charged with trying to bring explosives onto an airplane.
Martinez said the investigation is ongoing and will continue with other interviews.
