Florida deputy covered in ‘white, powdery substance’ after device explodes during traffic stop
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida deputy was covered in a “white, powdery substance” on Monday after a device exploded during a traffic stop, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Charles David Legault, 60, of Crescent City, was pulled over at an intersection in Putnam County when the deputy noticed drug paraphernalia and a gun, according to the sheriff’s office. During the search, something exploded, covering the deputy in a “white, powdery substance.”
The deputy was taken to a hospital and later released, according to the sheriff’s office. The area was closed while hazardous material teams and a bomb squad investigated.
The substance was determined to be chlorine-based, and no other devices were found in the vehicle, deputies said.
Courtesy: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook Courtesy: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook Courtesy: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
Legault was also allegedly found with pistol magazines and a suppressor in his overalls, deputies said.
“This is very visual proof that traffic stops are never routine,” Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said in a Facebook post. “We are so very thankful that our deputy only needed minor treatment for his injuries as this could have been much worse.”
Legault was charged with possession of an explosive, aggravated battery on law enforcement and a weapons charge, deputies said. He is held in the Putnam County Jail without bond.
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