US soldier tried to board plane with C4 explosive

A U.S. soldier who tried to board a flight from Arizona to Los Angeles with high-velocity C4 plastic explosive in his checked baggage has been arrested.

U.S. Army Pvt 1st Class Christopher Eric Wey, 19, was arrested Wednesday after he tried to board a United Airlines flight to Los Angeles from Yuma, Arizona, the U.S. Attorney's office for Arizona said, Reuters reports.

After Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers found one-half ounce of C4 explosive hidden in a tobacco can inside one of Wey's bags, Wey was interviewed by FBI agents, CNN reports.

He was charged with attempting to carry an explosive on an aircraft and transportation of a stolen explosive, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

It is also alleged that that Wey stole the C4 while attending an explosive training course, although there was reportedly no evidence that he intended any harm.

A federal magistrate in Yuma released Wey without bail Thursday, the AP reports.

The TSA, meantime, used the opportunity to promote its work.

"TSA employees are on the front lines every day, working to mitigate threats and keep the traveling public safe," TSA Administrator John Pistole said in a statement, CNN reports.

"This incident demonstrates the abilities of our highly trained officers and cutting-edge technology," he added, according to Reuters.