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Police: Kentucky man charged with attempted kidnapping, impersonating police

Officers with the Nelson County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on Jim Clark Road. That's when they called the state's Bomb Squad for assistance.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nelson County authorities arrested a man on Monday who they say impersonated officers and had a "destructive device" in his possession, and was plotting to kidnap his ex-girlfriend.

According to the arrest citation, officers at the Nelson County Sheriff's Office arrested 22-year-old Mason Johnson for using police equipment to stop a vehicle Sunday night.

Officers with the Nelson County Sheriff's Office were executing a search warrant on Jim Clark Road when they found items that required assistance from the Kentucky State Police Bomb Squad, investigators said.

Authorities claim the items looked like a pipe bomb and booby trap devices. The citation shows other items in Johnson's room included police equipment like a baton, OC Pepper Spray, a taser with cartridges and body armor with patches, as well as several guns.

Police said they also found plans for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and murdering another person.

The citation shows Johnson had a protection order granted by the court to prevent him from having firearms.

Johnson used to work as a Nelson County Correctional Officer, but hasn't worked for them since March 10, 2023 according to the Nelson County Jailer, Justin Hall.

He is charged with possession of a destructive device or booby trap device, use of weapon of mass destruction, attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, violation of a Kentucky emergency protective order and impersonating an officer.

His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 21.

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