Man facing charges in McLean County after allegedly caught with handgun and ammunition at CIRA airport screening

Police arrested Dean at CIRA airport on Friday. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – A man remains behind bars in McLean County after TSA agents allege he attempted to bring a gun through airport screening at Central Illinois Regional Airport.

Court records indicate that Jaden Dean, 18, entered CIRA at 3201 CIRA Drive on Friday night for a scheduled flight.

Police say Dean allegedly turned over a bag he was carrying to TSA Officers to pass airport screening.

TSA officers allegedly located an unloaded 9 mm handgun, magazines, and ammunition in the bag during the screening.

Once at the airport, McLean County Sheriff Deputies allegedly seized the black 9 mm handgun with no serial number, a loaded magazine with three rounds of ammunition, an unloaded 30 round magazine, and an unloaded drum-style magazine capable of holding approximately 50 rounds of ammo.

Police say Dean admitted ownership of the bag but denied knowing the handgun was in his bag.

Court records indicate Dean faces multiple charges, including two felony charges of aggravated criminal trespass with a weapon and a felony charge of carrying a firearm into an airport.

In addition, Dean faces two charges of no FOID card and a charge of unauthorized possession of a weapon.

Dean’s bond was set at $50,000 cash, and his next court hearing is December 9.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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