[11/9/01]A Vicksburg woman was arrested in Jackson Thursday on charges of pointing a loaded gun at a man at the Jackson International Airport a week ago.

Debra Nix, 37, 609 Locust St., was arrested by the FBI and charged with violence at an international airport. She was scheduled to make her initial appearance in federal court in Jackson late today for a bond hearing, said U.S. District Attorney Dunn Lampton.

Airport employees told the FBI that the incident happened Nov. 2 during an argument among Nix, her brother and two other men.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Airport security has been on heightened alert since Sept. 11 including the use of Mississippi National Guard troops at checkpoints in seven airports. Last week, the Guard was also added to the already tight security measures in place at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Claiborne County.

While security around the state is being tightened, emergency agencies in 59 counties have been told to remain on high alert due to the number of cases involving suspicious mail or suspicious substances. Since Oct. 18, 494 reports have been received statewide including reports in Warren and Claiborne counties. None was determined to be harmful.

The FBI announced Wednesday that a $10,000 reward has been established for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for putting a fake bomb under the Natchez Trace bridge over Interstate 20 near Clinton. The hoax was discovered Nov. 2.