A baggage handler at Portland International Airport (PDX) has been accused of stealing firearms from passengers’ checked luggage, following multiple complaints about missing weapons after flights.
According to reports from Oregon Live, KATU and KPTV, the FBI launched an investigation after several travellers reported that their guns had disappeared from their baggage after departing from the airport.
Authorities reportedly became suspicious of 51-year-old contracted airport worker Terell Wayne Overton after reviewing security footage that showed he had access to passenger luggage areas.
Investigators later used an Apple AirTag tracking device to trace a missing semiautomatic handgun, which allegedly led them directly to Overton, according to KPTV.
The report added that Overton was seen attempting to discard a backpack as law enforcement approached, with FBI officials later recovering the missing firearm inside the bag.
Overton, who had worked at the airport since 2023 loading baggage, has been charged with theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was previously convicted in 2005 for distributing cocaine.
Authorities also said Overton told investigators he had financial pressures at home but declined to elaborate further when questioned about the alleged theft.
Airport officials confirmed that he is no longer a security-badged employee and said operations at PDX continue as normal while investigations proceed.
