Waka Flocka Flame Arrested At Atlanta Airport

Police say rapper Waka Flocka Flame was arrested after a handgun was found in his carry-on bag during a security scan at Atlanta’s airport.

Photo: John Davisson

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Empire Polo Field, Indio, Calif.

Atlanta police say the 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Juaquin James Malphurs, didn’t have a weapons permit. He was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.

He was being held in the Clayton County jail. An initial court appearance was set for Saturday morning. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had a lawyer.

Transportation Security Administration spokesman Mark Howell said agents have found about 1,600 guns so far this year in bags at airport security checkpoints nationwide.

In addition to any criminal penalties, Howell says the TSA can impose a fine of up to $11,000 depending on the infraction.