Man Tells TSA He Has No Idea How Gun Parts Got In His Son's Stuffed Animals

(CNN)

It’s unfortunate when gun parts show up when you least expect them. Say, in your son’s stuffed toy while going through security at an airport. A man traveling with his four-year-old told officials at T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island that he didn’t know how handgun parts ended up in his kid’s three stuffed animals.

CNN reports that the parts could’ve been assembled into a loaded handgun, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

“It appears to be the result of a domestic dispute,” said Rhode Island Airport Police Chief Leo Messier, adding that an investigation showed there was no threat any time to air safety.

The parts were in a teddy bear, bunny rabbit and Mickey Mouse toy that were in a carry-on bag. A TSA officer spotted the parts and ammunition on the X-ray machine. Police found the mainframe of a .40-caliber firearm, a magazine with two .40-caliber rounds, a firing pin and a slide.

When the TSA was like, “what’s up with all these gun parts, guy?” the man said he was “unaware” they were in there. The items were confiscated and the duo continued their flight.

Law enforcement agents are still investigating the incident.

“This is just another example that threats can appear anywhere, and this is why TSA officers take a closer look at everything,” the agency said in a news release. “It’s also an example that shows that even though TSA has modified the screening process for children 12 and under, the security process is still just as effective.”

Well yes, it would be upsetting if an X-ray machine couldn’t identify gun parts, even when hidden in the depths of Mickey’s stuffed anatomy.

*Thanks to Dan and Jojo for the tips!

Gun parts found in boy’s stuffed animals at Rhode Island airport [CNN]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.