Man whose gun accidentally fired in Atlanta's airport denied bond
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - The man whose gun allegedly fired accidentally at a Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport security checkpoint made his first appearance before a Clayton County magistrate judge on Thursday.
Kenny Wells, 42, is charged with carrying a weapon or long gun at a commercial service airport, reckless conduct, discharging of firearms on property of another, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The judge denied bond for Wells pending a hearing which was scheduled for Jan. 14.
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The judge also set a preliminary hearing for Wells for Jan. 10 and ordered him to stay away from the Atlanta airport.
It was also revealed that Wells was wanted out of Covington for violation of probation in connection to this incident.
Authorities said Wells disobeyed instructions and grabbed his firearm at a security checkpoint. He allegedly rushed out of the terminal with the gun in a bag, as hundreds of fearful travelers hit the floor believing the commotion might be an active shooter.
Atlanta police said 42-year-old Kenny Wells is in custody. Police said he fled the airport after a weapon was discharged at a checkpoint on November 20, 2021. (Atlanta Police Department)
Police searched trash cans on the south side section of the facility and found a discarded black 9-millimeter handgun.
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The shot caused chaos at the airport, with passengers running for safety and not sure what was going on. The Transportation Security Administration said after the incident at least three people were injured after airport officials said there was no active shooter threat and airport passengers and employees were safe. Officials said that one person required assistance from EMS after they said they fell in the airport atrium. Two other people complained of shortness of breath, police say.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing.