The detention began when TSA personnel screened checked baggage at Palm Springs International Airport and found what Palm Springs police described as a live 25 mm explosive round inside the luggage of a U.S. Marine. Police said the Marine was detained following that discovery. The case then moved into the hands of local law enforcement and specialized ordnance responders.
Police said the round was discovered during the TSA’s screening process of checked luggage at the airport on Monday. In its account of what happened next, the Palm Springs Police Department said the Marine told investigators he found the round “in the field” about a year ago and kept it, believing it was not live.
Police said the Marine’s explanation included a rationale tied to the condition of the ammunition. Because, police said, the round had extensive rust and corrosion and its original identifying paint markings were no longer visible, investigators were told it was difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device.
After the discovery, police said the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team used X-ray technology to confirm that the round was live. The team then took the explosive to a desert area near Interstate 10, where police said it was destroyed. Palm Springs police said no one was hurt during the response.
Police said they submitted the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for a review of potential violations and criminal charges. An email seeking comment was sent to the district attorney’s office Tuesday.
After the detention, police said the Marine was released to military authorities, and the Marine could face administrative action by the Marine Corps and a potential civil penalty through TSA. Emails seeking comment were sent to both the district attorney’s office and the Marine Corps.