Newtown Man Brought Gun To Laguardia Airport: TSA

EAST ELMHURST, NY — A Newtown man was arrested at LaGuardia Airport Friday after he allegedly brought an unloaded gun in his carry on baggage, according to a TSA press release. Steven B. Shaw, 61, had an older revolver-style pistol in his carry on items which was found when he put the items on the x-ray belt.

The TSA says the gun was unloaded. Port Authority Police say the pistol is a Smith and Wesson revolver in a holster, and there was no disruption to airport operations.

"A Connecticut man started his Independence Day holiday weekend sporting handcuffs after Transportation Security Administration officers caught him toting a handgun in his carry-on bag this morning," said the press release.

The man was later arrested by Port Authority Police on a charge of criminal possession of a weapon. TSA has the authority to access civil penalties of up to $12,000, and a typical first offense for carrying a handgun is $3,000.

This is the second time this year a passenger has brought a gun into LaGuardia security, according to the release. Two guns were found at the checkpoints all of last year.

Image via TSA and the Port Authority Police