Chatfield detained at airport after loaded gun found in carry-on

PELLSTON — Northern Michigan state house of representative Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) was recently detained at Pellston Regional Airport after Transportation Security Administration personnel discovered a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag as he was going through a pre-flight security screening.

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said the incident happened at about 3 p.m. on July 15 as the man, who he described as "a 30-year-old male from Levering," was going through security screening in advance of boarding a flight.

Wallin said deputies do not handle actual security screening at the airport, but are on hand each time TSA crews do pre-flight screening so that someone with local arrest authority is on hand.

Although Wallin declined to identify man involved in the incident, Chatfield released a statement shortly before 3 p.m. today, Tuesday which reads:

"Recently, I was going through the TSA line to board a flight at the Pellston Regional Airport and forgot that my firearm was in my book bag. As a concealed pistol license holder, I normally carry my firearm on a daily basis for protection of myself and my family, but forgetting to check my bag before leaving the house for the airport was an inexcusable mistake. In a rush to pack on the hectic Sunday afternoon after celebrating my daughter’s fourth birthday party at our home, I honestly forgot that the pistol was in my bag, but that is ultimately no excuse.

I own several firearms and believed that all of my pistols were registered through the Michigan State Police database. However, it was found that they did not have this specific pistol on file. I registered the pistol soon after and also confirmed that every other pistol that I own was registered.

Growing up in Northern Michigan, I was raised to respect firearms and the laws of our state and nation, and my wife and I do our best to teach our five children these same values. I am a passionate believer and defender of the right to keep and bear arms, but our laws must be respected and obeyed. As an elected official, I take responsibility and fully acknowledge that no one is above the law. I am sorry for this honest mistake, and I can ensure you that it won’t happen again."

Wallin said the man, now identified as Chatfield, was detained by a deputy and questioned at the sheriff’s office substation. He said the handgun was confiscated, and the man was released. He said the case report has been turned over to the Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney’s office for review and a determination if any criminal charges will be issued as a result of the incident.

He said the man was not arrested at the time, per department policy, because the situation did not present an immediate threat to public safety.

Wallin declined to release the man’s name citing the fact that the case is still under review by the prosecutor’s office.

When asked Tuesday about any case that might be under review by his office involving this incident, Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Linderman said he cannot comment on any cases that have been submitted to his office for review. He did say that his office has not recently authorized any charges related to an incident at the airport.

In an email to the News-Review Tuesday, TSA public affairs office representative Michael McCarthy also confirmed the incident reporting that, “TSA officers at Pellston Regional Airport detected a loaded .380 caliber firearm in the carryon luggage of a Detroit-bound passenger. Per standard procedure, TSA immediately notified local law enforcement who responded and took possession of the weapon to render it safe.”

McCarthy added that TSA reminds passengers that they are solely responsible for the content of bags brought to the airport checkpoint.

“Individuals who bring firearms to security checkpoints are referred to law enforcement and may be subject to criminal penalties by local authorities. In additional to criminal referrals, TSA imposes civil penalties ranging up to $9,800 for a single violation of a firearm brought to a security checkpoint,” McCarthy said.

Asked about the identity of the man involved, McCarthy responded: “TSA does not confirm a passenger’s identity … TSA is not a law enforcement agency we do not have that information for publication. Any infractions imposed by TSA are civil (not criminal).”

The TSA website has the following entry in its section on allowed ways in which firearms may be transported on commercial flights:

"You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed."

The News-Review has filed a Freedom of Information Act request for a copy of the incident report with Emmet County officials.