Bowie Man Arrested With Gun at BWI Airport

HANOVER, MD — A Bowie man was arrested early Monday morning at Baltimore Washington International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officers reportedly stopped him with an unloaded handgun in his carry-on bag, federal authorities say. Officers found the .380-caliber handgun as the man entered a checkpoint at the airport.

TSA officers detected the semi-automaticgun as his items were passing through the checkpoint metal detector. Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on state weapons charges.

The Bowie resident was ticketed to fly to Los Angeles, authorities say.

Authorities pointed out that firearms are never allowed at security checkpoints. Passenger who try to transport firearms through security checkpoints face criminal charges and up to $12,000 in civil penalties.

What is the proper procedure for transporting firearms and pets on flights?

Firearms are never permitted in carry-on bags. Firearms are permitted in checked bags if the following requirements are met:

• They are declared to the airline in advance.
• They are unloaded and properly packed.
• The carrier possesses the necessary permits.

Firearms carried as checked baggage must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read the guidelines.

Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on, but may be transported in checked baggage.

Passengers should check with their airline if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees.

More information on how to travel with a firearm can be found on the TSA's website.

»Photo of an unloaded .380 caliber handgun found in a Bowie man's backpack at a BWI Airport checkpoint on Dec. 26 courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration; Patch file photo of BWI Airport