An Ontario County man was caught with a loaded gun at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on Thursday.
According to the TSA, security officers detected the .380 caliber handgun in the man’s carry-on bag during an X-Ray screening. A Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy was alerted and, upon inspection, the firearm was found to be loaded with six bullets.
The Canandaigua man was in possession of a valid pistol permit and told officials he forgot he had his gun with him.
“This summer travel season is busy,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Our officers are staying vigilant to keep all travelers safe and secure. Airports are congested and this is no time – nor anytime – to be carrying a loaded handgun in your carry-on bag. Gun owners have a responsibility to know where their firearms are at all times and know that they should not be in a carry-on bag,” he added.
The Sheriff’s Office confiscated the weapon and the man, who was not named, now faces a civil penalty of up to $15,000.
