TSOs' Quick Thinking Leads to Arrest
News & Happenings
March 26, 2007
When Tallahassee (Fla.) Regional Airport Transportation Security Officers Rudy Gonzalez and Shelanda White recently checked on the legitimacy of a contractor working in the airport’s secure area, the result was seizure of a loaded .22 caliber Beretta handgun that led to the arrest of a convicted felon.
Their work showed the importance of the Aviation Direct Access Screening Program (ADASP), which TSA has implemented across the country.
The contractor, escorted by a city employee, was driving toward the airport’s perimeter gate when approached by Gonzalez and White. Asked to get out of the vehicle and empty their pockets, the contractor produced coins and six .22 caliber bullets. The TSOs called airport law enforcement and searched the vehicle, finding a loaded handgun.
Until law officers arrived, the TSOs stood between the contractor and the vehicle. Federal Security Director Rhonda Vickery praised Gonzalez and White, particularly noting the separation they maintained between the contractor and the weapon. He was arrested for violating parole.
