Woodbridge man cited for bringing gun to Dulles International Airport

A northern Virginia man was cited on a weapon charge after trying to bring a loaded gun through airport security at Dulles International Airport. The incident shut down a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint as police responded.

On Tuesday afternoon, the TSA said a man tried to pass a carry-on bag through an X-ray machine. The TSA officer who was assigned to monitor the machine detected a loaded 9 mm handgun. When officers removed the weapon from the bag, it was found that the weapon had 11 bullets in it, including one in the chamber.

A spokesperson for airport police identified the man as 52-year-old Leroy Glaze Jr. of Woodbridge, Virginia. He was charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor of possession of a firearm.

After his gun was taken away, the TSA determined that Glaze did not pose a further security threat and he was allowed to board his flight.

The TSA said passengers can fly with unloaded firearms as long as they in a locked container and presented as checked baggage only. The civil fine for this violation can be as high as $11,000.

Last week, the TSA set a record nationwide with 74 firearms confiscated from people who tried to get them through airport checkpoints. They said 65 were loaded and 18 of them had a round in the chamber.

The TSA said this is a problem that is not only a security threat, but is causing even more delays at airport screening lines. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website at http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.