Atlanta Teen Arrested For Stealing Luggages From Airport Carousel

ATLANTA -- Police said they caught a teenager looting luggage at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport.

Officers said 18-year-old Devonte Lightning got away with several bags before they were able to catch him in the act. They said Lightning stole bags from the carousels, brought them to the men's restroom and rifled through them in a stall. Police said they made the arrest after watching him on video surveillance.

Lightning seemed confused about the charges. When a judge told him Thursday he faces eight counts of unlawful removal of baggage, he asked, "Why am I being charged with that?"

”You were caught in the bathroom stall with the luggage by an officer, Magistrate Judge Betrice Scott replied.

Passengers were upset about the thefts.

”If some of my personal valuables were stolen, I'd be really upset, traveler Cindy Nelson told Channel 2’s GA Daily News.

Some said they would like to see more security.

”Maybe have a security guard checking people, or maybe assisting people get their bags, traveler Nick Palmer said.

An airport spokeswoman told Jones that in addition to surveillance cameras, Atlanta police patrol the area, but she said baggage claim security is the responsibility of individual airlines.

Jones called Delta to find out what it does to protect luggage, but his phone calls went unanswered.

Lightning is being held on $80,000 bond. Some passengers were able to retrieve their valuables.