PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A U.S. Marine was detained on Monday at a California airport after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel discovered a live 25 mm explosive round in his checked baggage, according to the Palm Springs Police Department.
The round was detected during the luggage screening process at Palm Springs International Airport. The Marine claimed that he had found the round 'in the field' about a year prior and held onto it, mistakenly believing it was inert due to its extensive rust and corrosion, which obscured its original identifying markings.
To confirm its status, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team employed X-ray technology, which verified that the round was indeed live. Subsequently, authorities transported it to a remote desert area near Interstate 10 for safe destruction. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during this incident.
The police have referred the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for potential violations and consideration of criminal charges. Additionally, as the Marine was released to military authorities, he faces possible administrative action from the Marine Corps and a civil penalty from the TSA. The Marine Corps and the district attorney's office have been contacted for comments regarding the situation.
The round was detected during the luggage screening process at Palm Springs International Airport. The Marine claimed that he had found the round 'in the field' about a year prior and held onto it, mistakenly believing it was inert due to its extensive rust and corrosion, which obscured its original identifying markings.
To confirm its status, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team employed X-ray technology, which verified that the round was indeed live. Subsequently, authorities transported it to a remote desert area near Interstate 10 for safe destruction. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during this incident.
The police have referred the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for potential violations and consideration of criminal charges. Additionally, as the Marine was released to military authorities, he faces possible administrative action from the Marine Corps and a civil penalty from the TSA. The Marine Corps and the district attorney's office have been contacted for comments regarding the situation.
