Geoffrey McGann, 49, of Rancho Palos Verdes, was stopped at a security checkpoint on his way to catching a flight to Los Angeles. He was wearing a wristwatch with wires protruding from it. He was also wearing boots with high platform soles. He was pulled aside by TSA agents for further inspection.
TSA officials notified the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, who took the man into custody and in turn, called the bomb squad in to examine the materials. The FBI was also notified.
A X-ray examination of the boots revealed drilled-out hollow compartments in the soles. No explosives were found in the boots or on the suspect's clothing or person.
The sheriff's office says the man claims the watch was a piece of art. The TSA says it appeared to have all the elements of a trigger system for an improvised explosive device.
McGann remains in jail and the FBI's investigation was ongoing.
