Loaded Gun Found at Akron-Canton Airport

Former Peninsula resident Robert Dickens faces potential jail time after an X-ray machine at the Akron-Canton Airport revealed a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag.

Federal agents arrested Dickens, 39, of Indialantic, Fla., at about 5 a.m. Tuesday.

He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, a third-degree felony, and is free on a $3,000 signature bond.

''From all indications, it looked like he just had (the

9 mm gun) packed up and forgot about it,'' said Sgt. Scott Cottle of the Summit County Sheriff's Office. ''That happens frequently -- I would say once every couple months. Of course, that is the story we always get. We can't say 100 percent that's what it is.''

Safety measures at Akron-Canton Airport's screening location include metal detectors and X-ray machines, said marketing director Kristie Van Auken.

Signs are posted at entrances reminding passengers of the prohibition of firearms, she said.

''But if you're in a hurry, you (might not notice them),'' she said. ''All we know is that the system worked perfectly and no one took a loaded handgun on an airplane.''

No flights were canceled because of the incident, which remains under investigation by the Transportation Security Administration, she added.

Dickens' arraignment will be on June 17.