Man Stopped on Florida Highway with 'Missiles' on Truck

Authorities called in bomb squad after reports of suspicious items on vehicle

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A man was pulled over on Interstate 4 in Florida after several callers reported seeing a pickup truck carrying two missiles on a metal rack in the bed. The driver, Michael Nipper, claimed the missiles were for show and were purchased as a kit online, and that they did not contain any explosives. However, authorities still called in the bomb squad as a precaution, and an emergency perimeter was set up until they determined the missiles were not real.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the public's heightened vigilance around potential security threats, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to reports of suspicious items that could pose a danger. It also raises questions about the ease of acquiring potentially dangerous items online and the need for better regulation or oversight.

The details

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, multiple callers reported seeing the pickup truck carrying the two missiles on Interstate 4 on Sunday. Authorities responded and pulled the driver, Michael Nipper, over. Nipper told them he had purchased the missiles as a kit online and that they were for show at events, and that they did not contain any explosive material. However, as a precaution, the bomb squad was called in, and an emergency perimeter was set up around the vehicle until they could inspect the missiles and determine they were not real.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2026.

The players

Michael Nipper

The driver of the pickup truck who claimed the missiles were for show and did not contain explosives.

Florida Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reports and pulled Nipper over.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

One of the agencies that responded to the incident and set up an emergency perimeter.

Plant City Police Department

One of the agencies that responded to the incident and set up an emergency perimeter.

Plant City Fire Department

One of the agencies that responded to the incident and set up an emergency perimeter.

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What’s next

Authorities will likely investigate further to determine the full circumstances around Nipper's possession of the missile kits and whether any laws were broken.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for greater oversight and regulation around the sale and possession of potentially dangerous items, even if they are intended for non-malicious purposes. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to reports of suspicious items that could pose a threat to public safety.