HAINES CITY, Fla. – A Florida man faces multiple charges after he told police he had a “dirty bomb” in his truck following a crash, according to a news release.
Haines City police said they responded to the Publix located at 39883 Highway 27 in Davenport “late Friday evening” in reference to a crash involving a Chevrolet Silverado.
According to the release, officers made contact with the driver, identified as 43-year-old Benjamin Donald Johnson, who refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle. Officers physically removed Johnson from the truck, where multiple firearms were seen in plain view.
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While detained in a patrol vehicle, officers said they heard Johnson say he had a “dirty bomb” inside his truck. Officers said they discovered a yellow plastic container secured with chains and locks, bearing a radioactive warning label. They immediately moved to a safe distance, closed nearby roadways, and requested assistance from the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives.
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.