Man approaches Logan International Airport runway in breach of security – Boston Herald
A reportedly mentally disturbed, shirtless man was able to walk near a runway at Logan International Airport last week before diving into Boston Harbor in an alarming breach of security, state police confirmed.
The 28-year-old Boston man, who was due to fly to Virginia that day, walked along the edge of an airfield shirtless and then jumped into Boston Harbor on May 24 just after 5 p.m., state police said. The man was suffering from mental health problems, according to police.
The fact that he was able to get so close to the airfield and was first reported by someone at the nearby Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor Hotel is raising questions about security at Logan.
“It’s a concern that he got near the airfield,” former Boston Police Superintendent in Chief Dan Linskey told the Herald. “Look at the all of the money and technology at the front entrance of the airport … if we don’t have any investment to protect the back door, well, the threat is still there.”
Linskey, now a director at security consulting firm Kroll, said Massport could implement motion detecting technology or add more people to beef up surveillance out back.
Massport maintains that its security is regularly reviewed and that it uses a “multi-level, intelligence-based approach.” Spokeswoman Jennifer Mehigan said that Hank Shaw, Massport’s chief security officer evaluated the perimeter of the airport with state police.
“Safety and security is Massport’s top priority and we take these matters seriously,” Mehigan said in a statement. “The layered security protocols at Logan Airport proved effective. The incident lasted only minutes and was never a threat to operations or passengers.”
Mehigan did not address why the incident was not reported to the public and how many similar breaches have happened in the past.
The State Police Marine Unit, state police Troop F patrols, a Boston Police Marine Unit, and Massport Fire responded to the incident.
The man initially refused to get out of the water, but police marine units were able to get him out and bring him to shore, where he was evaluated by Boston EMS and a trooper who serves as the state police homeless/mental health liaison. The man was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation and treatment. No criminal charges will be sought and his family was notified.
Gloss