VALDOSTA — Police have released details about a security threat that unfolded at Valdosta Regional Airport Thursday.
Around 6:20 a.m., a 33-year-old woman told a police officer at the airport that she had swallowed explosive devices, a Valdosta Police Department statement said. The officer took her to an open space away from the airport and the public, and the area around Valdosta Regional was secured from all traffic except emergency vehicles.
Detectives and police crisis negotiators talked with the woman, who appeared to be in severe emotional distress, the statement said.
The Georgia State Patrol, Moody Air Force Base, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI helped search the area, but no explosives were found. The airport was deemed clear and operations resumed before 11 a.m., not affecting flights in or out, police said.
The woman was taken to the hospital for an evaluation.
“We appreciate the rapid response and assistance by all the agencies mentioned above, along with the Valdosta Fire Department and South Georgia Medical Center Emergency Medical Services. This is a great example of how organizations will work together to ensure that we keep our community safe,” said Police Chief Leslie Manahan.
Anyone with information about this situation should contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.