The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles Police Department’s anti-terrorism chief was not authorized to carry the type of handgun that was seized by airport authorities during a routine baggage search last month, police said.
John Miller was on his way to New York to tape a farewell message for Barbara Walters, his former “20/20" television co-host, when the .38-caliber Smith & Wesson was found in his carryon luggage at Los Angeles International Airport. Miller, who said he’d forgotten the gun was in his bag, was allowed to continue to New York. He joked about the incident later during a TV appearance with Walters.
Police officials confirmed Friday that while Miller holds permits to carry either a .38-caliber Beretta handgun or two models of Glock pistols, he is not authorized to carry a Smith & Wesson. A police spokeswoman said that was the result of a paperwork error that should be cleared up shortly.
“When he applied for it there was some sort of paperwork glitch,” said Sgt. Catherine Plows. “He is making amendments. I think it’s a clerical error.”
Meanwhile, the Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, which Chief William Bratton has called an embarrassment to both Miller and the department. Federal authorities are also investigating.
“Since Sept. 23, I have been open, honest and cooperated fully with the investigation and continue to do so,” Miller said. “I’m sure, in the end, we’ll see these were my paperwork errors with no intent to break any rules.”