Charleston, WV (WOAY) – Police cite a Beckley man on weapons charges after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Yeager Airport found a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag.
The .32 caliber handgun contained eight bullets, including one in the chamber.
A TSA officer spotted the gun in the checkpoint X-ray machine and alerted authorities, who confiscated the weapon.
TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers with guns and gun parts at checkpoints.
Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances.
Penalties apply to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits. Possession of a concealed carry permit does not allow a firearm to be carried onto an airplane.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Additionally, travelers should contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with guns and ammunition.
