PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — A Marine stationed in the U.S. was taken into custody at Palm Springs International Airport after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered a live 25 mm explosive round in his checked baggage on Monday. According to the Palm Springs Police Department, the explosive device was unearthed during the routine screening of luggage at the airport.
The Marine explained to investigators that he had found the round in a field approximately one year ago and assumed it was not live, given it appeared extensively rusted and corroded. Because of this, the original identification markings were obscured, making its status uncertain.
Following the discovery, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department dispatched their Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, which utilized X-ray technology to confirm the round was indeed live. Subsequently, the round was carefully transported to a remote desert location near Interstate 10, where it was safely destroyed. Miraculously, no injuries were reported during the incident.
In light of the severity of the situation, local authorities have submitted the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for a thorough review concerning any potential violations and criminal charges. Following the incident, the Marine was released to military authorities, facing potential administrative actions by the Marine Corps, as well as a possible civil penalty from the TSA. Comment requests have been sent to both organizations regarding the incident.}
The Marine explained to investigators that he had found the round in a field approximately one year ago and assumed it was not live, given it appeared extensively rusted and corroded. Because of this, the original identification markings were obscured, making its status uncertain.
Following the discovery, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department dispatched their Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, which utilized X-ray technology to confirm the round was indeed live. Subsequently, the round was carefully transported to a remote desert location near Interstate 10, where it was safely destroyed. Miraculously, no injuries were reported during the incident.
In light of the severity of the situation, local authorities have submitted the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for a thorough review concerning any potential violations and criminal charges. Following the incident, the Marine was released to military authorities, facing potential administrative actions by the Marine Corps, as well as a possible civil penalty from the TSA. Comment requests have been sent to both organizations regarding the incident.}
