TSA agents discover loaded gun in luggage at McGhee Tyson

ALCOA (WATE) - A loaded semi-automatic pistol was discovered in the carry-on luggage of a passenger at McGhee Tyson Airport Thursday morning, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

The TSA says a loaded Kel-Tec P-32 was discovered in a carry-on bag belonging to Scott Clements, 25, of Lenoir City. Clements was flying from Knoxville to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The pistol, along with seven rounds, is the 14th weapon to be discovered in carry-on luggage at McGhee Tyson this year.

Clements told officers he normally kept the firearm in the bag and forgot to remove it prior to coming to the airport. He was issued a misdemeanor citation.
 

Individuals who bring firearms to security checkpoints are referred to law enforcement and are subject to criminal penalties. TSA has the ability to impose a civil penalty. Fines can range from $250 up to $11,000 for a single civil penalty for firearms brought to a security checkpoint.