Unchecked guns caught by TSA workers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - In 2012, the Transportation Security Administration discovered more than 1,500 firearms at checkpoints nationwide.

Twelve of those weapons were found at the Indianapolis International Airport.

"It is not uncommon for us to find ammunition, magazines, loaded and unloaded," said David Kane, TSA Federal Security Director.

In most cases, the violators tell airport police that they forgot they had the weapon.

The rules are clear. All firearms must be declared at the ticket counter. The firearm must be unloaded. Lastly, it must be in a hard sided container that is locked.

Greg Burge of Beech Grove Firearms sells guns and the protective cases. He adds that ever changing gun regulations makes it difficult for gun owners to keep up.

"I think we made it difficult for everyone to understand every rule and regulation," said Burge.

Failing to follow the proper procedures results in the weapon being handed over to officers, and the passenger can face a $500 to $1,000 fine by TSA.

When the guns are found at the airport, agents check them out in a separate room away from passengers. This move prevents the weapons from striking anyone in case of a misfire.