A U.S. Marine allegedly had a live explosive round inside his checked bag at a California airport, where he was detained soon after it was discovered, according to police.
Transportation Security Administration officers found what authorities ultimately confirmed was a live 25mm round while the man’s checked bag underwent a screening at the Palm Springs International Airport on Monday, March 30, the Palm Springs Police Department said in a news release.
The man told authorities he found the explosive “in the field approximately a year earlier and kept it, believing it was not live,” police said.
He was identified by police as Ryan Weaver, a 30-year-old Texas resident, ABC News reported.
The discovery of the explosive led Palm Springs police, the Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and military officials to respond to the airport, according to police.
Police said in the news release that “due to extensive rust and corrosion” on the explosive, “the round’s original identifying paint markings were no longer visible, making it difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device.”
An X-ray of the explosive revealed it was live, according to authorities.
Law enforcement transported the device from the airport to a desert area near Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs, where authorities destroyed it, police said.
Palm Springs police shared footage showing the destruction of the explosive.
“Fire in the hole,” a person can be heard saying in the footage.
After a countdown, a blast went off in the desert, the footage shows.
It is possible that Weaver could face criminal consequences over the explosive, according to police.
It was not immediately clear whether he had retained legal representation.
“Palm Springs Police are submitting the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for review of a potential violation of California Penal Code section 18710, related to possession of a destructive device,” police said in the news release.
The TSA could possibly issue a civil penalty against Weaver over the incident, according to police. He could also face repercussions within the U.S. Marine Corps.
The TSA may issue civil penalties up to $17,062 for travelers who bring prohibited items to the airport, according to the TSA’s website.
The TSA did not immediately return a request for comment from Luxury Handbag Shopping on Tuesday, March 31.
Prohibited items include flammable liquids such as lighter fluids, sharp objects including axes, switchblades, and daggers, and firearms, according to the agency.
