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HAINES CITY, Fla. – A Florida man is in legal trouble after claiming there was a “dirty bomb” in his truck following an accident, per a police statement.
Authorities in Haines City were called to the Publix on Highway 27 in Davenport late Friday night regarding a collision involving a Chevrolet Silverado.
According to reports, when officers approached the driver, 43-year-old Benjamin Donald Johnson, he refused to exit the vehicle despite repeated requests. Officers eventually had to forcibly remove him from the truck, where they spotted several firearms in clear view.
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While in a police car, Johnson allegedly mentioned having a “dirty bomb” in his truck. Officers found a yellow plastic container, secured with chains and locks, and marked with a radioactive warning. This discovery prompted them to evacuate the area, close nearby roads, and call in the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives for assistance.
According to the release, a Florida State Fire Investigator arrived on the scene before the squad arrived and confirmed the container emitted positive radioactivity.
“Through investigation with the assistance of representatives from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ATF, and an FBI bomb technician, it was advised that the device inside of the yellow container was a Moisture Density Gauge, which is commonly used for soil testing and contained less radioactivity than a medical x-ray,” the release said in part.
The container was taken to the police department for further inspection by the Florida Bureau of Radioactive Material, police said.
In addition, a search of Johnson’s truck a led to police finding a “multitude of firearms and ammunition,” firearm magazine speed loaders, thermal scopes, knives, a battering ram, night-vision goggles, cannabis, and gummies that tested positive for THC.
Johnson told police he was in the area for work and living out of his vehicle with his dog. The animal was safely released to animal control.
Police said Johnson was taken to Polk County dail where he faces charges of hoax weapon of mass destruction, false report concerning a bomb or explosive, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and resisting officers without violence.
A criminal history check showed a prior arrest for marijuana possession in Tennessee, according to the release.
Roadways near the scene remained closed for several hours during the investigation to ensure public safety.
The case remains under further investigation regarding the weapons recovered, police said.
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