TSA stops Illinois man with gun in luggage at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Another gun intercepted at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a handgun from making its way onboard an airplane Thursday, June 2.

According to a news release from TSA, around 4:45 a.m. -- during a routine screening of carry-on luggage -- a TSA officer spotted the image of a handgun on the X-ray screen. TSA officials immediately alerted the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy responded to the checkpoint and issued a citation. The passenger, of Zion, Illinois, did not have a concealed carry license.

“With summer travel ramping up, our TSA Officers continue to do a fantastic job preventing firearms from entering the secure area of the airport,” Wisconsin TSA Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay said. “We want to remind everyone planning to fly out of Milwaukee to carefully inspect your bag before you pack it and head to the airport. This simple act could save you lots of time and money, along with avoiding possible arrest with local law enforcement.”

This is the ninth firearm detected at MKE this year. A total of 23 firearms were detected at MKE security checkpoints last year.

TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,910 per violation per person. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100.