A loaded firearm found in a passenger's carry-on bag early Wednesday morning belonged to an on-duty police officer, authorities announced.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the San Luis Obispo County Airport found a gun in a passenger's carry-on bag early Wednesday morning, the agency reported.
In a statement Wednesday evening, the San Luis Obispo Police Department announced the firearm belonged to an on-duty officer traveling to Denver for an investigation.
The officer meant to place the firearm in checked luggage.
"We regret the disruption and would like to thank our law enforcement partners at TSA for keeping our community and travelers safe here in San Luis Obispo," the statement said.
According to the TSA, the 9 mm Glock 19 handgun was loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition.
It was reportedly found during routine X-ray screening of a female traveler's bag. A law enforcement officer removed the firearm and contacted the traveler. She was interviewed by the officer and ultimately allowed to travel on to Denver after further security screening, the TSA reported.
This is the first firearm found in a passenger's bag at the SLO County Airport in 2025. In 2024, TSA officers found just one gun at the same airport.
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Passengers who are found with a firearm in their carry-on luggage may face criminal citations and fines. They can also have their Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck benefits revoked.
Click here for TSA rules on transporting firearms and ammunition.
Jan. 30, 12:09 a.m.: This article was updated to reflect the latest information.
