A minor car accident escalated into a dangerous confrontation Tuesday evening in Stafford County when one driver pulled a shotgun during a roadside dispute, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies E.T. Osborn and T.W. Jenkins responded to the area of Warrenton Road and International Parkway around 7:19 p.m. following a report of a fender bender and a verbal altercation involving weapons. Upon arrival, deputies found that a Subaru driver had brandished a shotgun at a female semi-truck driver following the collision.
The male Subaru driver, who was openly carrying at the time, admitted to retrieving the shotgun and claimed he used it as the “easiest deterrent.” Deputies also located a rifle in the vehicle. No injuries were reported during the encounter.
The firearms were seized as evidence, and the driver was charged with disorderly conduct and brandishing a firearm. His name has not been released by the Sheriff’s Office.
The magistrate released the suspect on personal recognizance following the charges.
Key points
- A shotgun was pulled during a road rage incident in Stafford County on Tuesday evening.
- The Subaru driver, involved in a minor crash with a semi-truck, admitted to brandishing the weapon.
- He was charged and released on personal recognizance; the firearms were seized.
Deputies respond swiftly to escalating roadside dispute
The confrontation began after both drivers exited their vehicles following the collision on Warrenton Road. The Subaru driver’s decision to retrieve a shotgun sparked concern, prompting a rapid law enforcement response.
Deputies de-escalated the situation and took control of the weapons without incident. Authorities emphasized that while the driver had been openly carrying, using a firearm to intimidate another person during a traffic dispute was a criminal offense.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether additional charges are being considered. The investigation remains ongoing.