Charlotte Air Traffic Controller Accused of Having Weapon of Mass Destruction

CHARLOTTE, NC – A Charlotte air traffic controller accused of having a weapon of mass destruction will be in court for the first time Monday.

“I wish I had known, but I’m glad I know now,” says Northwest Charlotte Resident Eva Warden.

Warden was stunned to find out about the pipe bomb two doors down from her mother’s home.

“He could have taken the whole neighborhood down. We got a lot of kids you know, up and down the streets, it’s just horrible,” Warden says.

30-year-old air traffic controller Paul Dandan is accused of having the explosive device.

The FAA employee works at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

CMPD says his roommate 39-year-old Derrick Falls made the device to use against a neighbor but changed his mind and gave it to Dandan.

Someone called 911 and police responded Friday to their home on Minitree Lane.

“Had it been detonated or set off or whatever you want to call it, the question becomes how much collateral damage creeps towards our residence?” asks Northwest Charlotte resident Joseph Little.

Both men face several charges including possession of a weapon of mass destruction.

The FAA says as part of his job, Dandan only had access to the air traffic control tower and that his access has now been terminated.

Neighbors say they’re just glad no one was hurt.

“I think if it had gone off it wouldn’t have been just that house. If you set it off next to a gas line, you’re gonna escalate the amount of damage,” Little says.