US marine detained after TSA finds live explosive round in checked bag | California

A US sailor was detained at a California airport after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel found a live 25mm explosive projectile in his checked luggage, police said.

The bullet was found during a screening of checked baggage at Palm Springs international airport on Monday, the Palm Springs police department said in a news release.

The sailor told investigators he found the bullet “in the field” about a year ago and hid it, thinking it wasn’t alive.

“Due to extensive rust and corrosion, the bullet’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,” police said in the press release.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department explosive ordnance disposal team used X-ray technology to confirm it was a live projectile. The team took it to a desert area near Interstate 10, where it was destroyed, the news release said. No one was injured.

Police said they have submitted the case to the Riverside County district attorney’s office for review of possible violations and criminal charges. An email seeking comment was sent to the district attorney’s office on Tuesday.

Police said the sailor who was turned over to military authorities could face administrative action by the U.S. Marine Corps and possible civil penalties through the TSA. Emails seeking comment were sent to both organizations.