TAMPA, Fla. – Earlier this month, troopers pulled over a truck along Interstate 4 after they noticed “missiles” strapped to the back, according to the Florida Highway Patrol Tampa.
In an incident report, troopers said the incident happened on March 22, just after noon. At the time, the blue pickup truck was spotted heading east near Plant City.
Ornamental rockets seen in the truck bed (Florida Highway Patrol)
After concerned citizens called in about the truck, a trooper pulled it over and spoke with the driver, identified as 69-year-old Michael Nipper, the report shows.
But it turned out that these weren’t really missiles at all, but rather plastic ornaments.
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“Michael then stated that the missiles are for show and (he) uses them at events…” the report reads. “Michael advised the missiles do not have any type of explosive material inside and use a small electric motor that controls the compulsion mechanism.”
However, an imprint on one of the missiles stated “15 lbs. of explosives,” prompting the FHP to bring in the bomb squad, which ultimately found that the missiles were indeed not real.
Troopers seen with the ornamental missiles along I-4 (Florida Highway Patrol)
“All was determined safe with a strong suggestion on how better to transport the articles!” troopers declared.
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