Chemical bomb explodes in front of Florida deputy’s face during traffic stop

PUTNAM COUNTY, FLORIDA – Body camera video shows the moment a chemical bomb exploded on a Putnam County deputy during a traffic stop, News 6 partner WJXT-TV reported.

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

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

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

Legault is then asked to get out of the truck. He is searched and 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 8 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 was believed to be chlorine. The MP was taken to hospital and treated for respiratory injuries.

WJXT 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.