False report of active shooter prompts flight delays at LAX

LOS ANGELES -- Operations are returning to normal at Los Angeles International Airport after false reports of a gunman caused panicked evacuations, but flights have seen major delays.

Airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles said Monday that about 280 flights were delayed, including 120 arrivals and 161 departures. At least 27 flights were diverted to other airports, and two were canceled.

Castles says traffic on the upper departure level flowed smoothly during morning rush hour, but cars backed up on the lower arrival level.

Los Angeles police spokesman Andy Neiman said a search Sunday through the terminals uncovered no evidence of a gunman or shots fired. Loud noises spurred the reports, and police are still investigating to find the source of them.

VIDEO: Man dressed as Zorro detained during LAX scare

Meanwhile, airport officials say a false report of gunshots that sent panicked travelers fleeing came right after officers with guns drawn detained a man dressed in black and possibly carrying a sword.

The sword was plastic, but soon after, hundreds of passengers raced onto streets or the tarmac, causing major flight delays that the airport was still recovering from Monday morning.

Video shows at least six officers confronting the man, who is dressed as fictional crime fighter Zorro, outside Terminal 7 around 8:40 p.m. Sunday.

Airport police say false reports of an active shooter quickly spread, and passengers in five terminals evacuated or pushed through security checkpoints.

Airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles said Monday about 280 flights were delayed and at least 27 flights were diverted to other airports.