Stanford professor arrested for attempting to bring WWII-era grenade on plane

A Stanford professor was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for possession of a “destructive device” last week.

Political Science Professor Gary Cox allegedly carried an inactive grenade in his carry-on luggage, which led to his arrest and a $500,000 bail. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) discovered the weapon and arrested him on the grounds of placing a destructive device in a public space.

Cox said the incident an honest mistake, as he was carrying back antiques from his late parents’ home. He explained that the grenade used to belong to his father, who served in the Pacific as a captain in the US Navy during WWII.

Since his father used the grenade as a paperweight after the war, Cox didn’t think twice about bringing it on to a plane. He says he intended to give the heirloom to his son as a gift, and claimed he did not have any malicious intentions.

Via The Stanford Daily.

Follow the author of this article on Twitter: @samantha_reinis