A 52-year-old man was arrested after a loaded Hi-Point .38-caliber handgun was intercepted at a Palm Beach International Airport checkpoint Wednesday by the Transportation Security Administration.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office took possession of the gun, found in the carry-on bag of the man.
Firearms may be transported in checked baggage (provided they are declared to the airline, in a hard-sided, locked carrying case and unloaded), but they are prohibited in carry-on bags.
Along with potential criminal charges, passengers who bring firearms to a checkpoint face civil penalties from TSA of up to $11,000.
This was the 17th firearm discovered at the checkpoints at PBIA this year, according to the TSA. Nine firearms were discovered by TSA at checkpoints in 2014.
“Aviation security is TSA’s mission and first concern. The last time a traveler may have used a certain suitcase might have been for a road trip,” said Sari Koshetz, TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz said. “So thoroughly search your bags before leaving for the airport. Make sure you are not carrying a gun or other prohibited items.”
