One individual is in custody after attempting to take a cat through security at the Missoula International Airport.

Details are sketchy, but the incident occurred on Wednesday, when the unidentified man attempted to carry a cat through the security area apparently intending to take it onto the aircraft when he was detained by the TSA personnel.

Deputy Director at the Missoula Airport Bryan Ellistad said TSA personnel acted swiftly to ensure the security of the area.

"A customer tried to get through the checkpoint, and kudos to our officers who are always there and have everything under surveillance, so they followed him and took care of him and escorted him off property," Ellistad said. "The customer tried to go through the checkpoint with a cat, and fortunately, we have to go through the security process and he tried to evade that, and the officers were right on top of it."

Ellistad said the TSA and airport personnel take security very seriously.

"The customer was escorted out and is in custody, he will be evaluated," he said.

The man's identity has not been revealed and he is in custody on unspecified charges. The cat was placed in the custody of Missoula Animal Control.

After conversations with national TSA representatives, KGVO News was urged to contact the Missoula Airport Police for more information, but the call was not returned before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.

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