Two OIA Passengers Caught with Guns at Checkpoints in 5 Minutes, TSA Says
Aug. 13--Orlando International Airport security screeners stopped two travelers -- each toting luggage holding a handgun -- in five minutes Monday morning, police and the Transportation Safety Administration said.
Authorities say Candice Vanique Barnett, 46, was bound for Philadelphia International Airport, but was stopped at a checkpoint when a TSA officer spotted a handgun in an x-ray of her carry-on at 6:38 a.m.
According to a police report, a search of the bag uncovered a 9 mm Kel-Tec in a locked gun case. The case also contained a loaded magazine, the report states, carrying five rounds of ammunition.
Just five minutes later, according to the TSA, a 50-year-old man flying to Atlanta, Ga., was stopped at a different checkpoint, after a TSA officer spotted what appeared to be a handgun is his carry-on.
A police report states the passenger, William Fritts III, explained he had forgotten that his .22 caliber handgun was in the bag. The North American Arms weapon was not loaded, according to the TSA.
Both would-be fliers were arrested by police on charges of carrying a weapon in a place prohibited by law, a misdemeanor.
In a statement detailing the incidents, TSA Federal Security Director Jerry Henderson cautioned fliers: "Unpack before packing to be sure you do not have prohibited items such as guns in your carry-on bag."
Henry Pierson Curtis of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report. [email protected] or 407-420-5171
Copyright 2013 - Orlando Sentinel
