Florida man handed 20-year sentence for pipe bomb attack on deputy who pulled him over

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) -- A 62-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with a 2024 incident in which a pipe bomb exploded while a deputy conducted a search of his vehicle during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred on April 5, 2024, according to a joint press release from the Putman County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney for Florida’s 7^th Circuit. Deputies pulled over Charles Legault, and he consented to a search of the vehicle. News4Jax reports that bodycam footage they obtained showed the deputy asking to search the vehicle after he smelled marijuana.

Legault had made and placed a PVC pipe bomb that contained brake fluid and chlorine. It exploded during the search and caused respiratory distress in the deputy, who had to be taken to a hospital for treatment. WOKV reports that the deputy’s vest protected him from the bulk of the explosion’s shrapnel.

In the vehicle, methamphetamine, ammunition, a suppressor, and loaded magazines were also found, according to the news release. WCJB reports that Legault’s roommate was also arrested and jailed after the explosion when a search warrant executed at their shared home allegedly found methamphetamine and firearms.

In May, Legault pleaded no contest to charges of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, or discharging any destructive device resulting in bodily harm or property damage; carrying a concealed firearm during commission of a felony; armed trafficking in methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell; and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the news release. He was sentenced to 20 years behind bars on July 17.

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