‘Episode’ may have
triggered airport incident

His lawyer says the Kauai
man had a psychological episode

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By B.J. Reyes
Associated Press

A Kauai man accused of forcing his way into the Lihue Airport terminal with a semiautomatic pistol and firing two shots was suffering from a psychological breakdown, a defense attorney told a judge yesterday.

Lloyd Albinio had his detention hearing continued until June 2 and will remain in federal custody, pending an examination by a forensic psychologist.

Federal public defender Peter Wolff requested the time for the examination to dispute a report by the court's pretrial services division that suggests Albinio is dangerous.

He said Albinio suffered from the "fairly sudden onset" of a psychological episode that contributed to his actions on May 8, when he was arrested after allegedly threatening a federal officer and firing two shots inside the terminal.

Wolff also noted that Albinio's condition is treatable and that he has "responded very well to medication."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Porter had no objections to Wolff's request, which was granted by U.S. Magistrate Kevin Chang.

Albinio, 24, of Kapaa, is charged with assaulting a federal officer. U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo said he decided to pursue a federal case to ensure that Albinio serves at least some prison time. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the charge carries a mandatory prison sentence with a maximum of 10 years, Kubo said.

Prosecutors allege Albinio went to the airport around 6 p.m. on May 8 and pulled a 9 mm semiautomatic pistol on a Transportation Security Administration officer who attempted to stop him from entering the terminal area.

He fired one shot into the air before forcing his way into the secure area of the terminal and firing again, according to court documents. Authorities said Albinio then sat down and aimed the gun at his head before surrendering peacefully to police.

The gunfire led to the closure of the small airport and forced the evacuation of about 200 people.

No one was injured, though passengers said they feared for their lives.