Bodycam video shows pipe bomb exploding in deputy’s face during traffic stop near Gainesville

PALATKA, Fla. (WSVN) — Newly released body camera video shows the moment a deputy became a victim of a pipe bomb explosion during a routine traffic stop near Gainesville.

Back on April 5, a Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a pickup truck after the license plate didn’t match the vehicle.

Bodycam video released this week shows the deputy asking the driver, 60-year-old Charles Legault, if he could search the truck after smelling marijuana in the truck. Legault consented.

Within seconds, the deputy found what he believed to be drugs and drug paraphernalia.

“What are these dope baggies in this cigarette pouch for? Do you use cocaine as well?” asked the deputy.

“No, no, no. I had six heart attacks,” said Legault.

“OK, but what does that have to do with the three baggies with the white substance in the cigarette pouch there?” asked the deputy.

“Son’t know,” said Legault.

At this moment, Legault was asked to get out of the truck, and the deputy asked him to stand at the front of the truck while the deputy continued his search.

First, the deputy found a handgun in the seat, then more drug paraphernalia.

“What kind of pipe is this?” asked the deputy.

“Not a clue...