Woman Arrested With Loaded Handgun At BWI

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A woman was arrested at BWI Airport Monday after TSA officials caught her trying to carry a loaded handgun onto a plane.

The .380 caliber handgun was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber, officers say. She also had a magazine loaded with five additional bullets.

TSA officers detected the gun inside the woman's backpack as she entered one of the airport checkpoints.

They contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the woman on state weapons charges.

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. 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: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook