Flight Attendant Who Ran From Security Arrested

Marsha Gay Reynolds surrenders to authorities in New York, but it is unclear how she got there after running from security in LA.

Marsha Gay Reynolds is accused of running from LAX security 

By Sky News US Team

A JetBlue flight attendant who allegedly ran from security at Los Angeles International Airport leaving behind up to $3m of cocaine in her luggage has been arrested in New York.

Marsha Gay Reynolds surrendered to federal authorities at JFK International Airport on Wednesday, although it was unclear how she had arrived in New York, federal officials said.

She is expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on Thursday, US Attorney's spokesman Thom Mrozek said.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials asked Reynolds to step aside for a random security screening on Friday, according to authorities.

She went to a secondary screening area, but dropped her bag, ditched a pair of Gucci heels and fled barefoot down an upward-moving escalator, LAX airport police said.

Reynolds was charged with cocaine possession with intent to distribute.

Mr Mrozek said prosecutors believe that Reynolds was a runner-up in Miss Jamaica World 2008.

New York University lists a Marsha-Gay Reynolds as having been on the school's 2004 women's track and field team.

On Friday, she had arrived at an LAX checkpoint in Terminal 4 wearing jeans, heels and a black suit jacket, with her "known crew member badge", according to an FBI affidavit.

It was unclear whether she was on duty at the time.

When she was chosen for random security screening, TSA officer Jamie Samuel said she became nervous and began looking around, before making a call on her mobile phone.

Mr Samuel said Reynolds was talking in a foreign language as she was moved to the secondary screening area, according to the affidavit.

Once inside, TSA officer Charles James asked for her identification.

"At this time, Reynolds dropped her carry-on luggage, removed her shoes and began to run away," the affidavit said.

Eleven packages of cocaine wrapped in green cellophane and labelled "BIG Ranch" were found inside one of the bags Reynolds left behind.

The cocaine weighed more than 68lbs and could be worth as much as $3m.