A DeFuniak Springs man faces felony charges after Walton County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly discovered two pipe bombs during a traffic stop Monday night.
- Benjamin Adam Roach, 37, was pulled over at Smith Road and Highway 90 in Walton County after deputies noticed his vehicle displayed a cardboard tag reading “PRIVATE” instead of a proper license plate, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
During the stop, Roach allegedly admitted to not having identification. Deputies reported finding his birth certificate during a search of the vehicle, along with what authorities identified as methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Deputies conducting an inventory of the vehicle reportedly found two suspicious cylinder-shaped objects. According to the sheriff’s office, one was made of PVC with caps on both ends, while the other was heavily wrapped in black electrical tape.
When questioned, Roach allegedly admitted the objects contained gunpowder. Authorities report he initially denied the presence of a fuse but later acknowledged one of the objects did have a fuse.
The Bay County Bomb Squad and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene. According to officials, the bomb squad confirmed both objects were pipe bombs and safely disarmed them.
Roach was taken to Walton County Jail and charged with making a bomb, possessing explosives, possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia and several other charges. He had not been issued a bond as of the press release.
