Man arrested at Palm Springs Airport after TSA allegedly finds loaded gun in carry-on

Authorities continued their investigation into the case of a 61-year-old Arizona man who was arrested after Transportation Security Administration agents allegedly found a loaded firearm in his carry-on bag at Palm Springs International Airport.

TSA agents reported finding a Walther PPK gun shortly after 10 a.m. Monday during the screening process, according to the Palm Springs Police Department.

The man, who was not identified, was arrested and later released “on a promise to appear in court,” police Lt. Gustavo Araiza said.

Officers confiscated the firearm and ammunition as evidence.

Police Chief Andrew Mills wrote in a social media post Monday that in the past, when a passenger “accidentally” brought a firearm, TSA would notify Palm Springs police and issue an administrative fine.

“Today, a retired firefighter — not ours — forgot he had the gun on a return flight,” Mills said.

The man could face charges of carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and knowingly possessing a weapon in a secure area of an airport, Araiza said.

The case will be sent to the Riverside County District Attorney’s office to determine if charges will be filed, police said.

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