CBS Local Boston


LOS ANGELES (CBS) – A Boston man was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport wearing body armor and carrying a significant cache of weapons.

Yongda Huang Harris, 28, was on his way from Japan to Boston when customs agents stopped him last Friday.

In his luggage, they found a smoke grenade, three leather-coated Billy clubs, a collapsible baton, a full-face respirator, various knives, a hatchet, body bags, a biohazard suit, handcuffs, leg irons and a device to repel dogs.

Harris was wearing a bulletproof vest and flame retardant pants. He lives in Dorchester, but has recently been working in Japan.

The LAPD bomb squad determined that the smoke grenade fell under the United Nations’ explosives shipping classification, meaning it is prohibited on board passenger aircraft.

Harris faces one count of transporting hazardous materials. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison.

Authorities do not believe he is connected to a terrorist organization.