Man with guns arrested at Medford airport after scuffle

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Police say a man with several loaded handguns was arrested Thursday after he approached the security checkpoint at a southern Oregon airport without a boarding pass or identification and asked to board a plane.

The Mail Tribune reports Anthony James Anderson arrived at the Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford carrying a handgun in a shoulder holster.

Medford police say the checkpoint officer denied Anderson entry, and when Anderson refused to leave, airport staff called police.

Police spokesman Lt. Mike Budreau says Anderson fought with officers and a TSA agent when Anderson did not comply with their orders. Police say they later found several more guns and ammunition on Anderson.

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail on suspicion of attempted assault.

It wasn’t immediately known if Anderson had obtained a lawyer.

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Medford Police news release:

On January 10th, 2019 at about 1:20 p.m., Medford Police officers were dispatched ot the Medford Airport for a male who was armed with a handgun, refusing to show identification and requesting to board an airplane.

Upon our arrival, officers learned that the unknown suspect was still at the TSA checkpoint to enter the secure area armed with a handgun in a shoulder holster and requesting to board an airplane. He would not produce identification or a boarding pass.

Officers began talking to the suspect who was uncooperative. One of the officers, trained in hostage negotiations attempted to speak to the suspect without success. Ultimately, the suspect was asked to leave and he refused. Officers attempted to take the suspect into custody for trespassing, and the suspect resisted. During the struggle, the suspect reached for his firearm but officers were able to pull his hand away from the gun and get him into custody.

During a search incident to arrest, officers found four loaded handguns, as well as additional rounds of ammunition on his person.

The suspect was identified as Anthony James Anderson, 33 years old. Anderson’s motive is not clear, however, mental illness may be a contributing factor.

The suspect was lodged on multiple charges, including Attempted Assault 1 and Attempted Assault 2, based on his attempt to obtain his firearm during the struggle with the officers

Suspect:

Anderson, Anthony James

33 years old

Address: 700 block of Gilman Road, Medford

Charges:

Attempted Asault 1, Attempted Assault 2, Trespassing, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Bail: $30,000