Bomb threat halts train

Published 9:24 am Tuesday, February 17, 2009

GARYSBURG—An Amtrak train made an unexpected stop here Monday night after an unruly passenger made a bomb threat.

According to Northampton County Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Byers, the train was stopped at the N.C. 46 crossing in Garysburg in order for local law enforcement to intervene.

Byers said there was a problem with an unruly passenger and at some point that passenger made a bomb threat.

The train’s passengers were evacuated from the train and four bomb sniffing dogs from the Virginia State Police were brought aboard.

It is not known at this time if an explosive device was found.

Byers said the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department did make an arrest. There were reportedly narcotics charges brought against the person arrested as well.

Byers said the train’s passengers were allowed to return to their seats and continue to their destination.

The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald will have more information as it becomes available.