Would-Be Teen Hijacker Was Suicidal, Cops Say

Boy had handcuffs, other items aboard flight from LA to Nashville

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 25, 2008 3:14 PM CST

(Newser) – A California teenager who planned to hijack a flight from Los Angeles to Nashville is in state custody in Tennessee, the Tennessean reports. The 16-year-old had handcuffs and other suspicious items when he was detained, and authorities believe he was suicidal. The FBI dismissed reports he planned to crash the jet into a Hannah Montana concert in Louisiana.

“He had some general plans where he was going and indicated where he wanted to die,” said an FBI spokesman, adding that nothing happened aboard the aircraft. The boy has been charged with felony terrorism under state law, and the FBI is investigating federal charges. A search of his California home turned up a mock cockpit, the AP reports.

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Southwest airplanes are seen at Love Field in Dallas, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (Associated Press)

A Southwest Airlines jetliner takes off from Denver International Airport in east Denver in this Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 file photo.(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (Associated Press)

Actress/singer Miley Cyrus, star of the film "Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus (Associated Press)

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Would-Be Teen Hijacker Was Suicidal, Cops Say