Loaded Gun At BWI Airport Leads To Arrest Of Pennsylvania Man

HANOVER, MD — A Bedford, Pennsylvania, man was arrested Sunday at Baltimore Washington International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officers reportedly stopped him with a loaded handgun, federal authorities say. Authorities say a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with nine bullets was found in the man's carry-on bag at a security checkpoint.

The man also had an empty ammunition magazine in his possession. Authorities say the man, who was originally ticketed to fly to Milwaukee, told officials he forgot that he was carrying his loaded gun with him.

The TSA officer detected the gun as the man entered the checkpoint and placed his carry-on items on the x-ray conveyor belt. Maryland Transportation Authority Police were called to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and magazine, and arrested the man on weapons charges. He has not been identified.

Sunday’s gun seize brought the total number of firearms that TSA officers have detected at BWI Airport so far this year to 22. In 2016, a total of 24 firearms 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 Bedford, Pennsylvania, man from bringing this 40-caliber gun onto an airplane on Sunday, November 5, at BWI Airport. (Photo courtesy of TSA.)