A Bend man was taken into custody after he tried to board an Allegiant Air flight Redmond to the Phoenix area Thursday morning with a live blasting cap in his carry-on bag, officials said Friday.

U.S. Transportation Security Administration screeners found the device and quickly detained Joseph Seeley, 24, authorities said.

Blasting caps are a small explosive charge that sets off a larger one, used often in the construction industry.

"It's one of the components of a bomb that our officers are trained to look for," TSA said in an online statement.

Seeley had checked another bag that already was loaded onto the flight, an airline employee said. The ground crew removed the bag after Seeley was arrested.

Flight 173 from Mesa was supposed to depart at 9:45 a.m. and due to the bag removal left about five minutes late, the worker said.

While police Lt. Nathan Garibay had said they found no sign of ill intent on Seeley's part, he said Friday they also found "no legitimate reason" for him to have the device in his possession.

Police responded around 8:25 a.m. to assist TSA screeners with a possible explosive device in the screening area at the airport, Garibay said Thursday.

The device ?was immediately secured,? he said, and Seeley was detained for further investigation.

With the assistance of Oregon State Police and FBI explosives specialists, Redmond police determined the would-be passenger was in possession of an explosive without a license, Garibay said.

Seeley was taken into custody and brought to the Redmond Police Determine, where FBI special agents assisted in further investigation, the lieutenant said.

Seeley was cited and released on a single misdemeanor charge of possession of an explosive without a license or permit, Garibay said.

?At this time, it does not appear Seeley had any intent on causing harm or disruption to travel,? Garibay said in a news release.

The case will be reviewed by the Deschutes County District Attorney?s Office and the U.S. Attorney for consideration of other charges, Garibay said.

Garibay said the TSA would decide when Seeley could fly again.

He also said authorities want to remind airport travelers and visitors ?to be mindful of items they possess. Transportation security and safety is a serious and ongoing concern.?

They also reminded everyone to report suspicious behavior or items to law enforcement as soon as possible.

Travelers at Roberts Field Thursday evening were surprised to hear of the earlier discovery.

"Redmond is the last place you think they are going to find something," said Gary Shields of Prineville. "The bad guys are always trying to find new stuff for new ways and I think the TSA is trying to do a good job at staying on top of things."

Traveler Eldon Shields said, "It's hard to tell where you are going to find them. We have to be on the lookout at the little ones as well as the big ones."

Asked if he felt safe when he flies, Shelds replied: "So far -- so far. I haven't had to fight for my life."