Palm Springs, California – A U.S. Marine was arrested at a California airport after Transportation Security Administration agents found a 25 mm explosive round in his checked luggage, police said.
The bullet was found during a baggage screening process at Palm Springs International Airport on Monday, the Palm Springs Police Department said in a news release.
The Marine told investigators he found the bullet “in the field” about a year ago and kept it, believing it was not live.
“Due to extensive rust and corrosion, the distinctive original paint marks on the shell are no longer visible, making it difficult to determine whether it is an inert training munition or a live explosive device,” police said in the news release.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s explosive ordnance disposal team used X-ray technology to confirm it was a live round. The team took it to a desert area near Interstate 10, where it was destroyed, the news release said. No one was hurt.
Police said they have forwarded the case to the Riverside County Prosecutor’s Office for review of possible violations and criminal charges. An email seeking comment was sent to the district attorney’s office on Tuesday.
The Marine, who has been released to military authorities, could face administrative action by the Marine Corps and possible civil penalty through the TSA, police said. Emails seeking comment were sent to both organizations.