Loaded Gun At BWI Airport Leads To Arrest Of Baltimore Man

HANOVER, MD — A Baltimore man was arrested Wednesday night at Baltimore Washington International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officers reportedly stopped him with a loaded semi-automatic handgun, federal authorities say. Authorities say a .380 caliber gun loaded with six bullets, including one in the chamber, was found when his carry-on bag went through the TSA checkpoint x-ray machine and was spotted on the x-ray monitor.

As TSA officers were examining the x-ray image on the screen, the traveler realized the gun was spotted and he left the checkpoint area. TSA contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, who confiscated the firearm, worked with TSA to identify the man using video of the checkpoint, and arrested him on a variety of charges.

Tuesday’s gun catch brought the total number of firearms that TSA officers have detected at BWI Airport so far this year to 24. That ties the 2016 total of 24 firearms that were detected at the airport’s checkpoints by TSA officers, according to a news release.

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 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.

Transportation Security Administration officers stopped a Baltimore man from bringing this 380 calibergun onto an airplane Dec. 13 at BWI Airport. (Photo courtesy of TSA.)