INDIANAPOLIS — An airport official said a flight attendant who was carrying a handgun in her purse was arrested at Indianapolis International Airport.

Airport spokesman Corey Wilson said the gun was discovered as the woman passed through a security checkpoint about 6 a.m. today. The Delta flight to Atlanta on which she was due to be a crew member took off without her.

Wilson said the woman is being held on preliminary misdemeanor charges of carrying a handgun without a permit and entering a controlled area with a weapon.

He did not name the woman.

Wilson said the evidence will be turned over to prosecutors, who will determine whether to file formal charges.