A seemingly ordinary traffic stop in Florida spiralled into a major security incident over the weekend, leading to the arrest of a man who falsely claimed to be in possession of a radioactive 'dirty bomb'.
Routine Stop Uncovers an Arsenal
The incident began on Sunday 7 December 2025 in Davenport, Florida. Police pulled over a truck driven by Benjamin Donald Johnson, 43. The situation escalated quickly when Johnson refused to exit his vehicle, forcing officers to take control.
Upon searching the truck, they discovered a startling array of items. The haul included multiple firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition, thermal imaging scopes, and an assortment of knives. Officers also recovered a battering ram, night-vision goggles, cannabis, and THC-infused gummies.
The 'Dirty Bomb' Claim That Shut Down Roads
While he was being detained, Benjamin Johnson made a claim that triggered a full-scale emergency response. He told officers there was a 'dirty bomb' inside his vehicle. A dirty bomb is a conventional explosive combined with radioactive material, designed to spread contamination.
Acting on this alarming claim, police immediately secured the wider area and called in explosive experts and hazardous materials specialists. Roads were closed as a precaution while the scene was made safe.
Harmless Device Leads to Serious Charges
The source of the scare was a yellow plastic container bearing a radioactive warning label. However, after thorough analysis, specialists identified the object as a 'Moisture Density Gauge'. This is a common device used in construction and agriculture for testing soil, which contains only very low, safe levels of radioactive material for calibration. It posed no threat as an explosive device.
As a result of the hoax and the items found, Johnson now faces a series of serious criminal charges. These include possession of a hoax weapon of mass destruction and making a false report concerning a bomb or explosive. He has also been charged with the unlawful possession of a controlled substance and resisting officers without violence.
The event serves as a stark reminder of how a single false claim can consume significant police and emergency service resources, causing public alarm and disruption.
