Delta Terminal at LaGuardia Evacuated

NEW YORK - A Delta Air Lines terminal at LaGuardia Airport was evacuated briefly Friday after a man left a security checkpoint while authorities tested a swab for explosives residue from his shoes, officials said.

Authorities stopped looking for the man early Friday evening after searching for him in the terminal, causing flight delays.

The man had put his shoes back on and left the security area before the testing equipment machine sounded an alarm, said Ann Davis, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration.

"We suspect that he left the checkpoint under the impression that his screening was complete," Davis said. "The fact that the machine alarmed should not be a cause for concern, as some commonly found substances can set it off."

Outgoing flights at Delta's terminal D were immediately halted after the man walked away at about 2:45 p.m. About an hour later, authorities evacuated the secure area of the terminal beyond the checkpoints while searching for the man. Incoming flights were allowed to land and passengers to disembark.

By 4:15 passengers were being screened again, and normal flight operations resumed after 5 p.m.

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