{"id":203856,"date":"2026-03-24T12:43:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T12:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/203856\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T12:43:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T12:43:13","slug":"florida-man-pulled-over-after-drivers-spot-him-driving-with-missiles-mounted-on-his-truck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/203856\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida man pulled over after drivers spot him driving \u2018with missiles mounted\u2019 on his truck"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Evening<\/p>\n

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the US<\/p>\n

\"Evening<\/p>\n

The bomb squad was called to a traffic stop in Florida<\/a> after a driver was spotted with \u201cmissiles\u201d mounted to the back of his truck, according to authorities.<\/p>\n

Florida Highway Patrol Troop C confirmed in an Instagram<\/a> post that it had received multiple calls from motorists on Interstate 4 about the truck. Eventually, the driver, whom the FHP referred to as \u201c#RocketMan,\u201d was stopped on SR-39 near Plant City<\/a>, outside of Tampa. <\/p>\n

Multiple agencies, including the Plant City Police Department, fire department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, established a perimeter around the scene until the bomb squad arrived, reports WESH<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"AuthoritiesAuthorities pulled over a truck on a major road in Florida after drivers reported seeing missiles strapped to the vehicle (Instagram\/fhp__Tampa)<\/p>\n

Eventually, the missiles<\/a> were determined to simply be \u201cplastic devices used for show and events,\u201d the FHP wrote, adding that \u201call was determined safe.\u201d <\/p>\n

The driver, Michael Nipper, told authorities he had purchased the missiles online for an event, according to WESH. <\/p>\n

The FHP said the driver was subsequently advised on how to transport the model weapons in the future. <\/p>\n

\u201c#NeverADullMoment in #Tampa,\u201d the force concluded in its statement.<\/p>\n

The incident unfolded on Sunday.<\/p>\n

\"OneOne of the rockets was marked with “AIM -120B” and sported bright yellow markings (Instagram\/@fhp__tampa)<\/p>\n

In images released by the FHP, two rockets appear to be fixed to the truck<\/a> by a series of posts. <\/p>\n

The smaller missile<\/a> has a bright red tip and electric-blue fins, while the other is grey and yellow. The larger projectile is emblazoned with \u201cAIM – 120B.\u201d<\/p>\n

Members of the FHP even posed in front of the faux missiles in one image, grinning as the rockets stretched out behind them. <\/p>\n

\"MembersMembers of the FHP posed with the missiles in a photograph released by the force (Instagram\/@fhp_tampa)<\/p>\n

Social media<\/a> users were divided on whether the vehicle should have been stopped, with some urging drivers to \u201cmind their own business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Others had a more humorous response to the post. <\/p>\n

\u201cNobody tailgating him\u2026\u201d one joked. <\/p>\n

\u201cGod forbid a man has hobbies,\u201d said another.<\/p>\n

The Independent has contacted the FHP for comment.<\/p>\n