Florida Man Arrested After Bomb Hoax During Traffic Stop

A routine traffic stop in Haines City, Florida, escalated into a significant multi-agency operation when Benjamin Johnson, 43, informed police that he had a “dirty bomb” in his Chevrolet Silverado. The stop occurred after officers suspected Johnson's vehicle was involved in a crash near a Publix supermarket on Highway 27. Johnson allegedly refused to comply with police commands to exit his vehicle, prompting officers to forcibly remove him. Upon his detention, police discovered multiple firearms, ammunition, thermal scopes, knives, night-vision goggles, cannabis, and THC-infused gummies inside the truck.

The Independent

While being held in a patrol car, Johnson claimed there was a “dirty bomb” in his vehicle, leading authorities to inspect the truck further. They found a yellow plastic container secured with chains and locks, marked with a radioactive warning label. The area was secured, nearby roads were closed, and the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives was called in. A Florida State Fire investigator confirmed that the container emitted radioactivity. However, upon further examination, officials identified the container as a "Moisture Density Gauge," a soil-testing device that emits less radioactivity than a medical X-ray.

The Independent

Following the incident, Benjamin Johnson was charged with multiple offenses, including hoax weapon of mass destruction, false report concerning a bomb or explosive, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and resisting officers without violence. Johnson has a prior arrest for marijuana possession in Tennessee. Authorities noted that he lived in his vehicle with his dog, which has since been placed in the care of Animal Control.

The Independent

Haines City Police Department confirmed the details of the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of Johnson's claims and the subsequent response from multiple agencies. The police stated, "The safety of the community is our top priority, and we take any threats seriously."

The Independent

Some community members expressed concern over the police response and the resources allocated to the incident. Critics argue that the situation could have been handled differently, potentially avoiding the disruption caused by the multi-agency operation.

The Independent

While the police confirmed the container's identity as a soil-testing device, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the exact nature of Johnson's intentions during the traffic stop. Further investigations into the weapons found in his vehicle are ongoing, and no additional details have been released regarding any potential charges related to those items.

The Independent

“Officials determined that the yellow container held a "Moisture Density Gauge," a soil-testing device with less radioactivity than a medical X-ray.” — Haines City Police Department

The Independent