TSA officers caught this stash of weapons in two checked bags belonging to one passenger who was ticketed to fly out of JFK International Airport on the day before Thanksgiving.
Photo Courtesy of TSA
A Sunnyside man last Wednesday was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport after security officials discovered a stash of weapons in his checked luggage, according to authorities.
Transportation Security Administration officers detected the weapons—two crossbows, three starter pistols, two BB guns, a stun gun, handcuffs and several bow arrows—as the man’s luggage was passing through screening equipment, and was opened after the machine alerted the officers to suspicious items inside the bags.
TSA immediately contacted the Port Authority Police Department, who arrested the traveler on city weapons charges. He was not identified by authorities.
According to the TSA, passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the airport. Additionally, the agency advised passengers to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items. Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local weapons laws for each point of travel prior to departure, the TSA noted.
If passengers are uncertain as to what is or is not a prohibited item, they can download the free My TSA mobile application at tsa.gov. Among other features, My TSA boasts “Can I Bring…?” which allows users to type in an item they plan to bring on a trip to find out if it is permitted or prohibited, and whether they should pack it in carry-on or checked bags.
By Michael V. Cusenza
