Posted on 03/09/2005 5:47:52 AM PST by OXENinFLA
LOUISVILLE - Airport security officials confiscated a handgun found in the carry-on luggage of a consultant hired to evaluate training for the city police force, authorities said yesterday.
Rande Swann, an airport spokeswoman, said officials are investigating and "will decide whether to issue a state or federal citation" to Bob Stewart for the incident last week.
No charges have been filed, and Stewart reported to work yesterday, Louisville police spokesman Dwight Mitchell said. A former police chief in Florida, Stewart, 57, is working with the Louisville department on a one-year, $89,000 contract evaluating training methods of the police force.
Stewart also served as a captain for 22 years with the Washington, D.C., police force, from which he retired. His contract with the Louisville police department ends in April.
Stewart said he was on his way to Florida when officials retrieved a handgun from his carry-on luggage as he was passing through a security checkpoint at Louisville International Airport last Thursday.
"I carry a weapon so infrequently that I forgot it was in the bag," Stewart said.
Stewart said the 9mm handgun was loaded. The gun was confiscated, and Stewart was released after questioning, according to Mitchell. The Courier-Journal reported the incident yesterday.
Swann, the airport spokeswoman, said the FBI, Transportation Security Administration and airport police responded to the incident once the gun was found. Airport police are a separate agency from Louisville police.
Other travelers, including an Indiana congressman, found with guns in carry-on luggage at the Louisville airport have been cited in Jefferson County District Court.
"TSA and the FBI are investigating the incident," Swann said. The FBI and the airport police agency referred calls to TSA. Associated Press messages left with TSA were not returned.
Stewart has a concealed-weapons permit in Florida, where he lives, and he may carry the weapon legally in Kentucky, Mitchell said. However, the permit would not allow him to take the gun through airport security.
Mitchell said the department is waiting to hear from federal authorities whether Stewart will be charged.
Since 9/11, at least 10 people carrying handguns have been stopped at security checkpoints in the Louisville airport, including U.S. Rep. John Hostettler, R-Ind.
The congressman pleaded guilty in August to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
Well, then it's OK then. I'll be sure to try that excuse if I'm ever in the same situation.
I bet the BATF was jealous.
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August 11, 2004
Gun-Toting Congressman Pleads Guilty
An Indiana congressman pleaded guilty today to a charge he brought a loaded gun to Louisville International Airport in April. Rep. John Hostettler did not appear in Jefferson County District Court to enter the plea to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Hostettler agreed to a 60-day sentence that would be suspended for two years, said Bill Patteson, a spokesman for the Jefferson County Attorney's office. Hostettler would not have to serve the sentence if he meets the terms of the plea agreement, Patteson said. Attorney David Schuler entered the plea today on Hostettler's behalf. Judge Donald E. Armstrong agreed that Hostettler would not have to be present for an Aug. 23 sentencing. As part of the plea today, Hostettler agreed to surrender the pistol that was found in his luggage on April 20.
Sarcasm noted. Gun rights means gun responsibilities. You must know where it is at all times. Period.
Yeah! That's the excuse they all use. Lock him up. He'll remember next time.
...contract evaluating training methods of the police force.
Advising them about how to ignore laws?
I fully agree that one should know. Hoewever with the lighter ban going into effect many people will "forget".
There was more than one time when I had my CCW I went into a post office carrying. By the time I got through the door I remembered but it was too late. No one caught me but I can sympathize to a degree. I left immediatly but you do get so used to wearing you need to be constantly alert to say the least.
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