TSA Finds Loaded Gun, Dog In Man's Bags At BWI Airport

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A man was arrested at BWI Airport Wednesday morning after attempting to bring a loaded gun through a security checkpoint in one of his bags, and a live dog through the checkpoint in another bag, authorities say.

He allowed both bags to be processed through an X-ray machine and both the dog and weapon were spotted by TSA officers, according to a Transportation Security Administration news release.

The officers then contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police who responded, confiscated the gun and arrested the man on state weapons charges.

"Firearms are never allowed at checkpoints and pets should not be placed through X-ray machines," the release states.

"As a reminder, firearms, firearm parts and ammunition—are not permitted in carry-on bags, but can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline," the release goes on to say. "Travelers who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its web site HERE. Passengers who are traveling with a small pet should remove the pet from the carrying case and hold the animal when walking through the metal detector while the empty carrying case goes through the X-ray machine. Travelers should not allow their pets to pass through the X-ray machine. TSA has information on how to properly travel with a small pet posted HERE."

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