Police Seize Gun, Charge Passenger for Handgun Hidden in Backpack at Airport

March 15, 2024
Police Seize Gun, Charge Passenger for Handgun Hidden in Backpack at Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport

PITTSBURGH, PA – Allegheny County Police have charged a Bethel Park man following the discovery of a firearm at Pittsburgh International Airport’s main security checkpoint. The incident occurred at 12:15 pm, when Transportation Security Administration officers detected a handgun in a passenger’s backpack and promptly notified county police.

The passenger, identified as 49-year-old Robert Stalter, was found to have an expired concealed carry permit. Stalter now faces a misdemeanor charge of carrying a firearm without a license, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been informed. Passengers found with firearms at airport security checkpoints are subject to federal civil fines up to $10,000, with repeat offenders facing fines up to $13,910.