An alleged hoax call led to the temporary closure of Martha’s Vineyard Airport on Sunday afternoon.
West Tisbury Police Chief Matt Mincone told The Times that a caller claimed there was something aboard a plane that had recently departed from the Vineyard, and that it would be an issue if the plane didn’t turn around.
As a result, officials closed the airport for two hours, starting at approximately 12:30 pm.
“There was never a direct threat to the airport,” Mincone said.
Still, police and the Federal Aviation Administration responded. Police also conducted a sweep of the airport.
Mincone said by the time police checked on the plane in question — which was carrying three people — it was arriving at its Alabama destination; it arrived without any issues.
An investigation led by Massachusetts State Police is ongoing.
Officials from other agencies have released few details about the supposed security breach. Geoff Freeman, director of Martha’s Vineyard Airport, said the airport had experienced a “security event,” and referred questions to the Massachusetts State Police.
Similarly, Steven Kulm, a FAA public affairs specialist, referred The Times to “local authorities” for information.
This isn’t the first time a hoax call led to a law enforcement response on the Island. In August, Tisbury Police responded to a call about a murderer, which turned about to be a ruse. Last February, a hoax call to the Edgartown Police Department triggered a lockdown at the Edgartown School.
Not only are all these private plane owners excessively contributing to climate change now they are burdening our law-enforcement officials. With today’s technology They should be able to figure out who called this in and should be severely punished and held financially responsible for their actions.
Should private planes be eliminated?
Do they have a negative impact on the Island’s economy?
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