Capital beltway scare as man allegedly brandishes loaded gun in traffic
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Capital Beltway scare as man allegedly brandishes loaded gun in traffic

COLLEGE PARK, MD – A Prince George’s County man was arrested Tuesday following a reported road rage incident involving a gun on the Capital Beltway.

Stephen Eric Scroggins, 52, of Temple Hills, allegedly pointed a firearm at another driver during a confrontation on I-495.

He was arrested without incident after police located him and recovered a loaded weapon from his vehicle.

The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. on August 13 when a driver contacted Maryland State Police to report a white Nissan Titan whose driver had allegedly brandished a gun while traveling near Annapolis Road on the inner loop of I-495. Troopers from the College Park Barrack and members of the Highway Gun Crimes Initiative launched an investigation and identified Scroggins as the suspect.

After securing a search warrant, state troopers located the Nissan Titan, initiated a traffic stop, and discovered a loaded firearm inside the vehicle. Scroggins was taken into custody and transported to the Prince George’s County Division of Corrections. He was charged with first- and second-degree assault, as well as use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was released the following day after posting a $2,500 bail.

Police say no injuries were reported in the incident. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and are reminding the public to report similar encounters immediately. This arrest is part of the state’s broader effort to reduce gun-related crimes on Maryland highways.

State Police are also continuing investigations into several other highway gun crimes, including the murders of Delonte Hicks, Charles Marks, and Nyah Hairston. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-538-1887. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News