Small Explosive Device Exposes Florida Deputy to White Powder During Traffic Stop

During a traffic stop Friday afternoon, a Putnam County, Florida, Sheriff’s deputy was covered in white powder when a small explosive device detonated as he searched the vehicle, the sheriff’s office reported in a Facebook statement.

The search of the vehicle driven by Charles David Legault, 60, yielded a firearm, drugs, and the explosive device, according to the sheriff’s office.

Legault was taken into custody at the scene. After backup deputies, arrived the exposed deputy was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.

Deputies called in the St. Johns County Fire Rescue hazardous materials team, the state fire marshal's office, and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office bomb squad to determine the nature of the substance and check the vehicle for additional devices. The HazMat team determined the substance to be chlorine based and no additional devices were found.

On Legault’s person, deputies found two pistol magazines and a supressor without any serial numbers or markings, the sheriff’s office said.

"This is very visual proof that traffic stops are never routine," Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said. "We are so very thankful that our deputy only needed minor treatment for his injuries as this could have been much worse. We are extremely appreciative that the judge saw fit to withhold bond as we continue to work out exactly why this man had this type of device in his vehicle that had a 'safe' switch."

Legault was charged with possession of an explosive, aggravated battery on law enforcement, and a weapons offense for having a firearm during a felony.