SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) A man who was going to fly to Las Vegas on Tuesday didn't make it. Instead he left Salt Lake International in a police car and handcuffs. Police say that's because he was carrying a 22 caliber handgun in his carry on luggage.
And airport officials say this is not an isolated incident. In fact, in the first two months of the year TSA agents have found five firearms. That is something that baffles most travelers. Carl Clifton, travels as part of his business. He can't believe someone isn't "mindful" of what is in their carry on luggage. College student Rikke Nicolaisen wonders about "the intent" of people trying to get on a plane with a gun and called the arrests "very surprising."
And its very bad. Airport police say when TSA agents find a gun they are called in and the gun carrier is hauled out. Airport Operations Superintendent Dave Korzep explains. "You're arrested. Your gun is confiscated. That goes into evidence. You may or may not get it back."
Korzep has been working at the airport for more than twenty years and says he doesn't understand why it continues to happen - especially since it never ends well. "They're not going to fly that day. You will get a trip to the Salt Lake County Jail." He adds, with today's technology checking your luggage - anyone trying to bring a gun on board or forgetting about their gun is bound to get busted.
In addition to the state and local charges the TSA can fine you if you try to bring a gun on a plane. And the recommended amount for that fine is three thousand dollars.
Korzep says there is a proper way to fly with your gun.
You can find that information here.
