Emmie blog

Md. bank exec faces charges involving gun at BWI

BALTIMORE – Maryland Transportation Authority Police said Saturday that a bank executive and soccer team owner was issued a criminal summons after he was found with a loaded handgun in carry-on luggage at BWI Marshall Airport's security area.

Police spokeswoman Cheryl Sparks said Saturday evening that Edwin F. Hale Sr. faces charges of interfering with security procedures and violating security regulations following the Friday incident.

"He was in violation at the screening area," Sparks told the Associated Press.

She said Hale was not arrested but was detained and then ordered to appear in Anne Arundel County District Court. Hale could face up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine if convicted, authorities said.

Hale, 64, is the chairman of Baltimore's First Mariner Bancorp and the owner of the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team. He could not be reached for comment by the AP on Saturday evening. Sparks said Hale has a permit to carry a handgun.

Hale told The Baltimore Sun on Friday that he "completely forgot" that he had packed the .38 caliber handgun as he rushed to catch a flight to Milwaukee to see his soccer team play.

MDTA Police Chief Marcus L. Brown told The Sun that Hale was not given preferential treatment because of his position in the business community; he also chairs the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board. Brown said Hale was issued a summons instead of arrested because "he has a valid permit and there was no reason to believe he was there to cause any threats at the airport."

Sparks said it is legal for an individual with a permit to carry a firearm into the airport, but that it is a violation to take it into the security area.