TSO Discovers Gun and Bullets in Passenger’s Bag
News & Happenings
April 7, 2008
While operating an X-ray machine recently at Wilmington (N.C.) International Airport, Transportation Security Officer Donna Putnam spotted an image of a handgun and ammunition magazine.
When Supervisory TSO Jeffrey Baker was called to inspect the carry-on bag, the passenger said he was in a hurry to catch his flight and that there was a cell phone charger inside. However, the bag search revealed a .380-caliber automatic pistol and magazine loaded with seven rounds of ammunition. The passenger claimed that he had forgotten the weapon was in the bag.
Richard Pait, assistant federal security director, praised Putnam's work in identifying the weapon. "Donna is astute and alert at the checkpoint and very skilled in the performance of her duties," said Pait.
The passenger was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
