Bullet found in luggage at airport

By Leslie Wood
Staff writer

GALLUP — City Municipal Airport security personnel found a bullet inside a traveler’s luggage Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy Police Chief John Allen, of the Gallup Police Department, said the bullet was discovered in a piece of a traveler’s luggage at about 2 p.m. during a routine security check at the Gallup Municipal Airport, 2111 W. U.S Highway 66.

Police officers were dispatched to the scene and confiscated the bullet without incident. The passenger was identified as 29-year-old Jeffrey Wood of Utah.

Allen said Wood forgot to remove the bullet from the luggage and did not know it was inside when he tried to board a local plane.

No foul play is suspected and Wood was allowed to continue with his flight plans.

“He didn’t appear to have any intentions,” Allen said of Wood.

No criminal charges will be filed in connection with the incident.

When contacted about the discovery, Scott Clark, site manager for First Line Transportation Security, declined to answer the Independent’s questions and said procedures concerning airport security are confidential. He referred questions to the police department.

“That’s part of national security,” Clark said. “ ... I cannot release that information.”

He did not say whether the airport was evacuated or if the incident interrupted flights prior to Thanksgiving Day.