Military

Date=1/9/02

Type=Correspondent Report

Title=Nuclear Worker Arrested (L-Only)

Number=2-285042

Byline=Mike O'Sullivan

Dateline=Los Angeles

Internet=YES

Content=

Voiced At:

Intro: Police in California have arrested a former nuclear plant worker for allegedly making terrorist threats against former coworkers. Mike O'Sullivan reports that police found hundreds of weapons at the man's home and a nearby location.

Text: Police say the 43-year-old man was fired last month from his job at the San Onofre (oh-NOH-fray) nuclear generating station, 100 kilometers south of Los Angeles. Authorities say a search of his home and a nearby storage facility turned up a rocket launcher, several hand grenades, thousands of rounds of ammunition and more than 250 rifles and handguns.

The operator of the plant, Southern California Edison Company, says security at the facility is tight. But Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department says the man posed a serious threat to his former coworkers.

/// AMORMINO ACT ///

As in any terrorist threat, you have to ask yourself is he capable of carrying out that threat? He definitely had the means: over 250 weapons, four or five-thousand rounds of ammunition, hand grenades, tear gas. I would say he definitely had the means to carry out his threat.

/// END ACT ///

Two police officers investigating the weapons cache were treated for exposure to fumes from an unknown chemical, described as a yellow powder which gave off vapors similar to tear gas.

A spokesman for the power plant say the man worked there as a maintenance mechanic since 1984 and did not have access to the nuclear reactor.

Police say he appeared to be seeking revenge for losing his job and was not involved in a wider terrorist plot.

The suspect is being held without bail. He faces possible charges of making a terrorist threat, possession of illegal firearms and possession of a controlled substance. (Signed)

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