Michigan Appeals Judge Tried to Take Loaded Gun on Airplane: Airport Police

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – A Michigan Appeals Court judge is at the center of a criminal investigation after security screeners at the Detroit Metro Airport found a loaded handgun in his carry-on luggage Sunday, an airport official said.

The judge, Henry William Saad, 68, of Bloomfield Township, was about to board a flight to Fort Myers, FL, when the loaded revolver was discovered about 8:30 a.m. at a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, airport spokesman Michael Conway told the Detroit Free Press.

Saad was detained at the scene, processed by airport police and allowed to board his flight for Florida, WDIV-TV reported. The television station said it was unclear if the judge received special consideration because of his position, and that airport police have discretion in such situations.

The case, a misdemeanor ordinance violation, has been forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Saad’s status with the Appeals Court hasn’t changed, State Administrative Office spokesman John Nevin told the Free Press. Saad was appointed to the Appeals Court bench in 1994, and served as chief judge from 2008-2009, according to the court’s website. His current term expires in 2021.