Maryland state police stock photo — Maryland State Police Stock Photo

Annapolis, MD – A 45-year-old Lanham man was arrested and is being held without bail after Maryland State Police say he fired shots from a moving SUV along I-97 in Anne Arundel County and then tried to load a gun during a police stop.

Jose Gregario Cruz-Mendoza was taken into custody Saturday afternoon after multiple 911 callers reported gunfire coming from a white Ford Excursion traveling on MD Route 97 and later on Route 50 near Annapolis. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Annapolis Barrack, assisted by Anne Arundel County Police, located the suspect vehicle on westbound Route 50 at I-97 and conducted a high-risk stop.

According to police, Cruz-Mendoza refused to show his hands despite repeated commands. Officers say they saw him attempting to load what appeared to be a firearm inside the vehicle. He was quickly arrested without reported injury and transported to the Annapolis Barrack for processing.

While in custody, troopers observed signs of suspected impairment. Cruz-Mendoza was later booked at the Jennifer Road Detention Center and is being held without bond.

He faces numerous charges, including:

Loaded handgun on person
Loaded handgun in a vehicle
Reckless endangerment
Driving while impaired
Additional firearm and motor vehicle violations

The motive behind the alleged shooting remains under investigation, and no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

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