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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