Knife found in briefcase at ABIA

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Police arrested a Lakeway man Tuesday after a knife was found in his briefcase as he was going through security.

Police say a Transportation Securities Administration official noticed the knife when Clinton Lee Connell’s briefcase was X-rayed as part of the usual security measures in place at airports.

Affidavits made public Wednesday said Connell, 45, was brought aside and asked it the knife was his. Officials say Connell admitted to owning the knife.

Connell was arrested for having a weapon in a prohibited place, a 3rd degree felony. If convicted, Connell could face two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The TSA does now allow sharp objects, including knives, box cutters, ice picks, scissors or razors to be taken into the secured area of airports. For a full list of what is and isn’t allowed at our nation’s airports, go online to the TSA Web site.

Calls to Connell’s home weren’t immediately returned Wednesday morning.