Palm Springs, CA

A Marine was detained after a live explosive round was discovered inside checked luggage at Palm Springs International Airport on Tuesday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.

Video of the circumstances can be found here.

According to authorities, the incident began at approximately 12:05 p.m. when Transportation Security Administration personnel identified a suspicious item during routine baggage screening. The object was later confirmed to be a 25mm explosive round.

The discovery led to a coordinated response involving TSA, the Palm Springs Police Department, the Riverside County Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, and military officials. As a precaution, the item was left undisturbed until bomb technicians could assess the situation.

During the investigation, the individual told officers he had found the ordnance in a field about a year ago and kept it, believing it was not live. Officials noted the round showed significant rust and corrosion, and its original identifying markings were no longer visible, making it difficult to immediately determine whether it was a training device or an active explosive.

Using X-ray technology, the Riverside County EOD Team confirmed the round was live. The device was safely removed from the airport and transported to a remote desert area off Gene Autry Trail, just south of Interstate 10, where it was destroyed without incident. No injuries were reported.

The suspect was identified as Ryan Weaver, 30, of Henderson, Texas. During the investigation, Weaver told officers he had found the ordnance in a field about a year earlier and kept it, believing it was not live. Officials noted the round showed significant rust and corrosion, and its original identifying paint markings were no longer visible, making it difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live high-explosive device.

Weaver was detained during the investigation and later released to military authorities. Palm Springs Police said the case will be submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for review of a possible violation of California Penal Code section 18710, which relates to possession of a destructive device.

In addition to potential criminal charges, the individual could face administrative action from the Marine Corps and civil penalties from the TSA.