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A routine traffic stop in southern Indiana escalated into a major public safety incident after officers discovered a homemade explosive device hidden inside the suspect’s vehicle, along with drugs and a handgun. The driver, David Axsom, 41, of Columbus, Indiana, was taken into custody on March 24, 2025, and now faces a slate of felony charges.
According to the North Vernon Police Department, the stop occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Officers had observed a vehicle with expired registration plates and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Road 7 and County Road 300 North. A records check revealed that Axsom’s driver’s license had been suspended, prompting the initial stop.
During the encounter, the officer reported smelling the distinct odor of burnt marijuana coming from the passenger compartment. Axsom was asked to step out of the vehicle, and a probable cause search was conducted. Inside, police located a small bag of marijuana, a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue, and a digital scale.
But the most alarming item turned up during a more thorough search of the trunk. Under a spare tire cover, officers discovered a cylindrical object wrapped in duct tape, with a fuse protruding from one end. The device, later described by the Indiana State Police Bomb Squad as a functional improvised explosive device, was capable of causing serious injury or damage.
“Finding an explosive device during a routine traffic stop is extremely rare, but it is a serious threat to both officers and the public,” said North Vernon Police Chief John Smith in a press release. “Our officers acted quickly and professionally to secure the scene and call in the bomb squad.”
The Columbus Police Department Bomb Squad responded and rendered the device safe using a remote-controlled disruptor. No injuries were reported, and a nearby residential area was briefly evacuated as a precaution.
Axsom was transported to the Jennings County Jail, where he was booked on multiple preliminary charges:
Authorities also obtained a search warrant for Axsom’s residence in Columbus. During the search, investigators seized additional bomb-making materials, including a soldering kit, wires, adhesive tape, and a container of black powder. They also found more methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Three other individuals were arrested at the residence in connection with the search warrant, but their names and charges have not yet been released, pending further investigation.
Legal experts say the possession of a destructive device charge is a Level 6 felony in Indiana, carrying a potential sentence of six months to two and a half years in prison. The trafficking with an inmate charge, a Level 5 felony, could result in one to six years. Combined with the drug charges, Axsom could face up to a decade behind bars if convicted on all counts.
“Cases involving homemade explosives are relatively rare but tend to receive enhanced scrutiny from prosecutors,” said Jennifer Lee, a criminal defense attorney based in Indianapolis. “The state will likely argue that the device indicates a higher level of intent or danger, which could lead to more severe sentencing.”
The incident has reignited discussions among local law enforcement about the need for additional training in detecting and handling explosive devices during traffic stops. The North Vernon Police Department recently completed a grant-funded training program on vehicle interdiction, but the department said it plans to add a dedicated session on improvised explosive devices.
Jennings County, a largely rural area with a population of about 28,000, typically sees fewer than a dozen felony drug arrests per month. The discovery of a fully functional explosive device is considered highly unusual.
Axsom is scheduled to appear in Jennings County Superior Court on April 8, 2025, for an initial hearing. A preliminary public defender has been appointed to represent him. As of this report, no bond has been set.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed by the Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office. The Columbus Police Department is also conducting a separate review of the search warrant execution.
Residents in the area have expressed relief that the device was safely neutralized before any harm occurred. “It’s scary to think someone was driving around with a bomb in their car,” said Mary Thompson, who lives near the traffic stop location. “Thank God the police caught it in time.”
This case underscores the unpredictable nature of traffic enforcement and the critical role that routine stops can play in preventing potential disasters. With the combination of narcotics, a handgun, and an explosive device, the investigation highlights the complex threats that law enforcement officers face daily.
