Transportation Security Administration

Coolio, Bodyguard Arrested at LAX Over Possession of Loaded, Stolen Firearm

Rapper Coolio, 53, and his bodyguard were arrested for possession of a stolen, loaded firearm Saturday, an airport police officer said.

Around 10:50 a.m., Los Angeles Airport Police responded to reports of a prohibited item at Transportation Security Administration screening in Terminal 3 of Los Angeles International Airport, Airport Police Officer Alicia Hernandez said in a statement Saturday.

Officers took a carry-on bag and detained a 39-year-old man who claimed the bag was his, according to Hernandez. Their investigation revealed that items inside the bag belonged to another man who had already boarded a plane.

Airport police said they detained Artis Leon Ivey, Jr., better known as Coolio, on a plane, who said he owned the carry-on bag during questioning.

Both men were arrested and transported to LAPD Pacific Division Jail to be booked.

Coolio's bail was listed at $37,308, sheriff's inmate records show. He posted bail and was released from custody at 4:35 p.m. 

The man with the carry-on bag was released, officials said. 

Coolio, known for hit songs such as "Gangsta's Paradise," was scheduled to perform Saturday night in Dallas. He also has a concert scheduled on Sunday in Indio, California. 

He is expected to appear in the LAX Superior Court on Oct. 13. 

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