Police say a mysterious device explodes at a bus stop, showering a Florida police deputy with gunpowder

A traffic stop turned into a toxic materials scare when a mysterious device exploded in a pickup truck, showering a police deputy with white powder, according to Florida investigators.

The surrounding block was closed to traffic and the deputy was hospitalized and released, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said in an April 8 press release.

Details of the deputy’s injuries were not released.

Officials say investigators determined the powder was a chlorine-based substance.

The traffic stop occurred Friday, April 5, in Palatka, about a 60-mile drive south of Jacksonville.

“During the search, the deputy found drug paraphernalia and a firearm, which exploded, covering him in a white, powdery substance,” the sheriff’s office said.

“The deputy was able to place (the suspect) in custody as other deputies arrived on scene. …For the safety of the community, the block where the vehicle was located has been closed.”

Authorities said the hazardous materials team, the fire marshal’s office and a bomb disposal unit were called. Bomb squad continued to search the pickup truck and found no other explosives, officials said.

The 60-year-old driver was found to be carrying two pistol magazines and a silencer “without any serial numbers or markings,” the sheriff’s office said.

He was charged with possession of an explosive, aggravated battery against law enforcement “and a weapons offense for possessing a firearm during a crime,” officials said.

The driver is from Crescent City, about 40 km southeast of Palatka.

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