Man arrested with loaded Glock at Logan Airport

January 7, 2008 11:33 AM Email| Comments (0)| Text size – +

By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

A Norwell man heading to Florida was arrested by State Police at Logan International Airport Sunday evening carrying a loaded 9mm Glock pistol, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

The weapon was discovered by TSA workers as the man tried to make his way to the JetBlue gates for a flight to Fort Lauderdale around 5 p.m., said TSA spokeswoman Ann Davis. She said the weapon was found in the man's carry-on luggage by TSA screeners. He was traveling alone.

"In today's security environment, it is beyond stupid to think that you can pass through a security checkpoint with a loaded gun,'' she said.

State Police identified the man as Louis Tasiopoulos, 46. Police said he was charged with carrying a concealed weapon into a secured area.

His attorney, Anthony J. Rossi, said today that Tasiopoulos had hastily packed for the trip and forgot he still had his handgun in his briefcase. "He forgot to take the gun out,'' Rossi said. "This is somebody trying to get on a plane in a hurry and he totally forgot about it.''

Rossi said his client is licensed to carry a firearm and routinely carries it with him. He said Tasiopoulos is a businessman with investments in several Boston bars and restaurants and that he has no prior criminal record.

"He never intended to bring the gun on the plane,'' Rossi said.

Tasiopoulos is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in East Boston Municipal Court.