The arrest of Benjamin Johnson in Haines City, Florida, unfolded as an unusual and complex incident involving a routine traffic stop that quickly escalated into a multi-agency emergency response. According to authorities, the discovery of weapons, ammunition, cannabis products, tactical equipment, and a chained yellow container marked with a radioactive warning label led officials to shut down roads, call in explosives experts, and investigate the potential presence of a “dirty bomb.”
What began as an attempt to question a driver believed to be linked to a crash near a Davenport grocery store ultimately raised broader concerns about public safety, law enforcement protocol, and the handling of hazardous materials. The episode has since drawn significant attention due to the combination of Johnson’s claims, the presence of radioactive equipment, and the range of weapons in his vehicle, all of which resulted in several criminal charges.
Initial Traffic Stop Leads to Alarming Claims
Officers from the Haines City Police Department initiated the encounter after locating Benjamin Johnson’s Chevrolet Silverado, which matched the description of a vehicle allegedly involved in a recent crash near a Publix supermarket on Highway 27 in Davenport. When officers approached, they instructed Johnson to exit the truck, but he allegedly refused to comply. After additional efforts, police removed him from the vehicle and detained him in a patrol car.
This initial phase of the encounter already raised red flags due to Johnson’s resistance and the visible presence of multiple items inside the truck that appeared to be tactical or weapons-related. Once police began searching the vehicle, they discovered numerous firearms, ammunition, and related equipment. Officers reported finding guns, loaded magazines, speed loaders, knives, a battering ram, thermal scopes, and night-vision goggles.
In addition to the weapons, officers located cannabis and THC-infused gummies, further contributing to Johnson’s growing list of legal issues. However, at this point, investigators still believed they were dealing with what might be a well-armed individual resisting commands rather than a situation involving hazardous materials. The encounter shifted dramatically once Johnson began speaking to officers while seated in the patrol car. Authorities stated that Johnson claimed he had a “dirty bomb” stored inside the truck, a statement that immediately triggered concern.
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A “dirty bomb” refers to a radiological dispersal device capable of spreading radioactive material using conventional explosives, and while such devices do not function like nuclear weapons, they can cause mass panic, contamination, and significant public danger. Johnson’s claim prompted officers to pause their ongoing vehicle search and call for specialized support. The sudden need to secure the area, prevent possible exposure, and gather experts escalated what remained of the scene into a coordinated response involving multiple agencies.
Investigation Reveals Radioactive Container and Specialized Equipment
After Johnson’s statement, Haines City police acted quickly to protect nearby residents and personnel. Officers established a perimeter, shut down the surrounding roadways, and contacted Florida’s Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives, as well as the bomb squad. Prior to their arrival, a Florida State Fire investigator conducted an initial inspection of the yellow plastic container that Johnson had described. Secured with chains and locks and displaying a radioactive symbol, the container understandably drew immediate scrutiny.
Using specialized detection devices, the investigator confirmed that the container was emitting radioactivity, which validated at least part of Johnson’s claim, even if the nature of the radiation source remained unknown. When bomb technicians arrived on scene, they conducted a more comprehensive assessment of the yellow container. Officials later confirmed that it held a Moisture Density Gauge, a commonly used soil-testing instrument employed by construction and engineering professionals.
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While the device does contain radioactive elements, such instruments are tightly regulated, require licensing to operate, and feature radioactivity levels far lower than those used in medical imaging. The discovery did not eliminate the seriousness of the situation, as investigators still needed to ensure that the device had not been altered, damaged, or accompanied by explosive materials. However, the finding did bring clarity to Johnson’s initial claim, suggesting that he possessed a regulated device rather than an improvised radiological weapon.
The presence of the gauge raised additional questions, including how Johnson acquired it and whether he had legal authorization to possess it. Moisture Density Gauges are normally stored in locked transport containers and handled by trained technicians. In this case, the container’s chains and warning labels seemed to follow expected patterns, but Johnson’s behavior and the location of the device inside a truck filled with weapons created a separate layer of concern.
Investigators from the Florida Bureau of Radioactive Materials took custody of the device for further evaluation to determine whether it had been properly maintained or unlawfully obtained. The other weapons and tactical equipment discovered in Johnson’s truck are also the subject of continued review. Police reported finding equipment such as thermal imaging scopes and night-vision goggles, which, although legal to own in many circumstances, can raise questions when discovered alongside unlicensed firearms, cannabis products, and a radiological device.
Officers also noted the presence of a battering ram, an item typically associated with forced entry tools used by law enforcement or specialized contractors. The combination of such items, together with Johnson’s claim about a dirty bomb, contributed to the high level of alarm surrounding the incident and the decision to involve multiple agencies.
Criminal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Following the containment of the scene and the removal of the radioactive device for evaluation, Johnson was transported for booking. Authorities announced that he would face numerous charges, including hoax weapon of mass destruction, false report concerning a bomb or explosive, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and resisting officers without violence. A hoax weapon of mass destruction charge carries particular weight, as the law reflects the danger posed by false or misleading statements involving radiological, chemical, or explosive threats that prompt major emergency responses.
Police also noted that Johnson previously had an arrest for marijuana possession in Tennessee, though no further details regarding his criminal history were released publicly. Investigators emphasized that their immediate priority was to determine the origin of the radioactive device and assess whether Johnson had any lawful reason to possess it. Officials also expressed interest in understanding why Johnson had assembled such a large collection of weapons and tactical items in the truck, as well as the timeline of events leading up to the crash that initiated the traffic stop.
During questioning, Johnson reportedly told officers that he was living in the vehicle along with his dog. The dog was transported to Animal Control and is expected to remain there while the case proceeds. Johnson’s living situation provides context regarding the condition of the truck, the accumulation of equipment, and the possibility that he had been traveling with the device for an extended period. However, it does not explain his decision to claim he possessed a dirty bomb, a statement that significantly escalated the legal consequences he now faces.
The investigation into the weapons found in the truck is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine whether any of the firearms were unregistered, modified, or connected to prior incidents. The presence of night-vision gear, tactical equipment, and high-capacity magazines also requires separate review. Local officials confirmed that federal agencies have been informed of the case due to the involvement of a radioactive device and the nature of the allegations.
As of now, the Moisture Density Gauge remains in the custody of the Florida Bureau of Radioactive Materials, where specialists will assess whether its radiation levels remain within normal limits and whether any tampering occurred. If the device was unlawfully obtained or improperly stored, additional charges could potentially be added. Moisture Density Gauges, while widely used in construction, are subject to strict tracking and reporting requirements due to their radioactive content.
This incident underscores the complexity of modern law enforcement responses when officers encounter individuals with hazardous materials, tactical equipment, and weapons. The initial traffic stop involving Johnson quickly evolved into a situation requiring expertise in radiological safety, explosives assessment, and weapons identification.
By securing the area, involving specialists, and verifying the source of radioactivity, authorities were able to prevent potential harm while ensuring that the incident was handled with appropriate caution. Johnson’s case will continue to unfold as investigators examine the origins of the materials found in his possession and evaluate the broader implications of his actions.
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