Haines City police responded to an incident at a Publix grocery store last week when authorities discovered a man armed with multiple firearms who claimed he had a “dirty bomb.” The situation escalated into a lockdown of the area after officers found a yellow plastic container secured with chains and locks, featuring a radioactive warning label.
During Friday night operations, police located the device in Benjamin Donald Johnson’s truck. Officers immediately repositioned to safety, shut down roadways, and activated emergency protocols involving the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives. The suspect, 43-year-old Johnson, was detained after officers had to physically remove him from his vehicle where they discovered firearms in plain view.
According to police, Johnson told responders he had a “dirty bomb” hidden in his Chevrolet Silverado truck. A Florida State Fire Investigator confirmed the container emitted positive radioactivity before bomb squad personnel arrived. Investigators later determined it was a moisture density gauge—a tool used for soil testing that contains significantly less radioactivity than a medical X-ray.
Officers also discovered additional items in Johnson’s truck, including cannabis and gummies tested positive for THC. Johnson stated he had been living out of the truck with his dog, which was transferred to animal control services.
Johnson has been arrested on multiple charges: hoax weapon of mass destruction, false report concerning a bomb or explosive, resisting an officer without violence, unlawful possession of cannabis resin, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and use of a firearm while intoxicated. Police noted Johnson previously was arrested in Tennessee for marijuana possession.
The case remains under investigation.
