ST. LOUIS (AP) – A man dressed like an old-time pioneer and parked along Interstate 70 puzzled deputies with his claim that he was headed to South Dakota with Bibles and “supplies” for American Indian children.

Then the deputies noticed a smell of marijuana as the man argued with them, and they searched his vehicle and found a staggering arsenal, including loaded pistols and an assault rifle with a 30-round clip and a bullet in the chamber.

A double-edged knife with an 8-inch blade was in the sun visor above the man’s head, and a loaded two-shot Colt Derringer pistol was in his pocket, authorities say. Searchers also seized about 400 rounds of ammunition.

“He said it was all self-protection and that it’s dangerous out west,” St. Charles Sheriff’s Lt. Craig McGuire said of Thursday’s traffic stop that authorities said also uncovered an array of drugs. “It’s kind of bizarre, but it’s all also kind of sobering.”

John W. Hill, 46, of High View, W.Va., was charged with possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicated, and was freed on $20,000 bail.

The loaded firearms were within easy reach in nearly every direction, McGuire said. “The placement indicates to us that he was well-prepared to handle any type of confrontation or opposition,” he said.

The man was shirtless with military-style boots, cargo pants and an American Indian vest. “I’ve heard him described as looking like a frontiersman or pioneer; that’s what he was dressed as,” McGuire said.

Hill was freed Friday on $20,000 bail. Banas said more charges were possible depending on reports from investigators.

A woman who answered the telephone Friday at Hill’s home said “we have no comment, sir” and hung up. There was no response to a call seeking comment Monday.