Bomb squad responds after authorities receive reports of truck carrying 'missiles'

Plant City, Fla. (WKRC) - The bomb squad responded after authorities received multiple reports of a pickup truck carrying "missiles." According to a statement issued by the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers stopped a Ford Maverick carrying what appeared to be mounted missiles after receiving multiple calls from concerned drivers along an interstate roadway in the Tampa Bay area. Authorities said the vehicle, spotted earlier in the day, was intercepted on a state road near Plant City, Florida. A report from WESH states that the incident prompted a response from the bomb squad. Per the report, multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Plant City Police Department and the Plant City Fire Department, which established an emergency perimeter until the bomb squad arrived. The objects were later determined to be plastic replicas used for shows and events, and officials confirmed there was no threat to the public. Michael Nipper, the driver, reportedly told law enforcement that he had purchased the missiles as a kit from a website, and that he intended to use them at an event. Troopers advised the driver on safer ways to transport the items to avoid alarming motorists, according to authorities.