Kerry: Detention of Korean War Vet in North Korea a "Dangerous Step"

Says China is helping secure his release

Secretary of State John Kerry says North Korea's detention of an elderly American Korean War vet is one of many "dangerous steps" the hermit nation is taking, and that Pyongyang's ally China is trying to help gain the man's release.

Merrill Newman, 85, a grandfather from Palo Alto, Calif., was removed from his flight home last month after visiting North Korea on a tourist visa and has not been heard from since, his son Jeffrey told reporters.