Body camera video shows chemical bomb detonated on Putnam County deputy’s body during traffic stop

PUTNAM COUNTY, FLORIDA – Body camera footage shows the moment a chemical bomb exploded on a Putnam County deputy during a traffic stop.

In April, Charles Legault, 60, was arrested by a Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

In the video, the MP first smelled marijuana and then asked Legault if he could search the truck.

Seconds later, the officer discovered what he believed to be drugs and drug paraphernalia.

RELATED: Man charged with explosives possession following traffic stop that sent Putnam County deputy to hospital

Legault is then asked to get out of the truck. He is searched and then asked to stand at the front of his truck while the officer searches the rest of the vehicle.

The officer found a handgun on the seat and more drugs. About eight minutes and 45 seconds into the video, the officer was still searching for drugs when the chemical bomb exploded in his face.

The MP had difficulty breathing, but managed to call for reinforcements and handcuff Legault.

The MP’s uniform is covered in white chemical powder as he removes his bulletproof vest.

The powder may have been chlorine. The MP was taken to hospital and treated for respiratory injuries.

News4JAX crime and safety analyst Tom Hackney said the deputy’s injuries could have been much worse.

“If the fluid had been larger or more filled, or if it had been in his eyes, you could be talking about blindness and permanent things that could happen to him and permanent lung damage, depending on how far away he was. You could see the difficulty breathing, and that shows how dangerous these traffic stops can be,” Hackney said. “I think everything was in favor of that deputy to have the outcome that positive. He wasn’t hurt any more than he was.”

The bomb disposal team was called to the scene to clear the area of ​​any further explosives.

The next day, police searched Lagault’s home. They found no other bombs, but they did discover other illegal drugs.