A man was pulled over on Sunday after several callers reported a pickup truck on Interstate 4 carrying two missiles, prompting a bomb squad response, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The missiles were sitting on a metal rack in the bed of a truck.The driver, Michael Nipper, explained that the missiles were for show and were used at events.Nipper explained he purchased the missiles as a kit on a website, FHP said.He then reassured FHP that the missiles did not have any type of explosive material inside, that they were made of plastic and not metal.However, the bomb squad was still contacted as a precautionary measure.The responding agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department, and the Plant City Fire Department, set up an emergency perimeter until the bomb squad arrived. Once on the scene, the bomb squad determined the missiles were not real and sent Nipper on his way.
PLANT CITY, Fla. —
A man was pulled over on Sunday after several callers reported a pickup truck on Interstate 4 carrying two missiles, prompting a bomb squad response, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The missiles were sitting on a metal rack in the bed of a truck.
The driver, Michael Nipper, explained that the missiles were for show and were used at events.
Nipper explained he purchased the missiles as a kit on a website, FHP said.
He then reassured FHP that the missiles did not have any type of explosive material inside, that they were made of plastic and not metal.
However, the bomb squad was still contacted as a precautionary measure.
The responding agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department, and the Plant City Fire Department, set up an emergency perimeter until the bomb squad arrived.
Once on the scene, the bomb squad determined the missiles were not real and sent Nipper on his way.
