Body camera video shows pipe bomb exploding in deputy's face during traffic stop near Gainesville - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

PALATKA, Fla. (WSVN) — Newly released body camera video shows the moment a deputy was hit by a pipe bomb during a routine traffic stop near Gainesville.

On April 5, a Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a pickup truck after the license plate did not match the vehicle.

Body camera video released this week shows the officer asking the driver, 60-year-old Charles Legault, if he could search the truck after smelling marijuana in the vehicle. Legault consented.

Within seconds, the deputy found what he believed to be drugs and drug paraphernalia.

“What are these bags of drugs in this cigarette case for? Do you also use cocaine?” the MP asked.

“No, no, no. I had six heart attacks,” Legault said.

“OK, but what does this have to do with the three bags containing the white substance in the cigarette packet?” the MP asked.

“I don’t know,” Legault said.

At this point, Legault was asked to exit the truck and the MP asked him to stand at the front of the truck while the MP continued his search.

First, the officer found a handgun on the seat, then other drug paraphernalia.

“What kind of pipe is this?” the MP asked.

“No idea. He wasn’t in the truck,” Legault said.

“That’s a meth pipe, sir,” the deputy said.

Eight minutes and 45 seconds after the traffic stop, a chemical bomb exploded in the deputy’s face as he searched the vehicle for more drugs.

“Wow! What the (expletive) is that!” the deputy exclaimed as he reacted to the explosion.

Video taken by the deputy’s body camera shows the explosion in slow motion.

Although the MP had difficulty breathing, he managed to call for reinforcements and handcuff Legault.

Moments later, it became apparent that the chemicals that exploded in the deputy’s face were making it even harder for him to breathe.

“It’s like it’s in my lungs (expletive) or something,” the deputy said, coughing heavily.

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

The powder was thought to be chlorine.

The MP was later taken to hospital for treatment for respiratory injuries caused by the chemical explosion. He underwent extensive examinations and has since made a full recovery.