FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A prominent Southwest Florida attorney is facing a felony firearm charge after a loaded gun was found in his baggage at the airport.
41-year-old Sawyer Smith was arrested at Southwest Florida International Airport Thursday night and charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon.
According to a Lee County Port Authority report, Smith was going through security for a flight to Connecticut when an X-ray operator identified a handgun in his bag.
A further search of the bag revealed a Glock 26 loaded with ten 9mm rounds, with none loaded in the chamber.
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Smith, who does not have a valid CCW permit, told investigators that he forgot the gun was in the bag, and that he normally does not carry the firearm there. He released the following statement:
"In a completely unintentional move, tonight I went through security at RSW airport with a pistol in my carry-on luggage and was arrested. While I am embarrassed, I want to thank the Lee County Port Authority and Lee County Sheriff's Office for their extreme professionalism. Please learn from me, although we are all very busy with our lives, it is worth it to slow down and be present."
Smith was booked and released on $5,000 bond.
