Delta Pilot Packin' Heat? Police Claim Matthew McDaniel Had Loaded Gun in Carry-On

ATLANTA (CBS/WGCL/AP) Police arrested Delta Air Lines pilot Matthew Lamar McDaniel Saturday when screeners allegedly found a loaded handgun in his carry-on luggage.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, McDaniel was stopped when he tried to pass through security at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliot says the three-year veteran pilot was off duty at the time and she did not know why he was at the airport.

Police say McDaniel had a Taurus .38 special loaded with five rounds as he tried to pass through the T north security checkpoint.

Authorities say McDaniel - who has a permit to carry a concealed handgun - told them he forgot he had the weapon.

The pilot was released on a $5,700 bond from the Clayton County Jail within hours after he was booked, according to CBS affiliate WGCL.