TSA discovers loaded firearm in EVV passenger's carry-on bag

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - The Transportation Security Administration says a gun was discovered at a Evansville Regional Airport security checkpoint Thursday morning.

They tell us a loaded Derringer .38 caliber handgun was discovered in a passenger's carry-on bag.

TSA says airport police was immediately alerted and they took possession of the bag. We're told the passenger has been cited on local charges.

Officers immediately took the gun from the passenger's bag.

Officials say firearms may be transported in checked baggage (provided they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded), but they are prohibited in carry-on bags.

“Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint,” said Mark Howell, TSA spokesman. “Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items.”

Authorities tell us this is first firearm discovered at a security checkpoint by TSA officers at EVV in 2015. The last discovery of a firearm at the EVV checkpoint was in 2013.

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