Man in Minivan Shoots at Another Vehicle Trying to Merge on I-495: Police

GLENARDEN, MD — Police are searching for a man who fired a gun at another car as it was trying to merge on the Capital Beltway in Prince George's County early Friday morning.

Police say the woman, who is 21 and from Virginia, was not struck or injured. She was driving westbound on Route 50 just prior to Interstate 495 at around 12:15 a.m. Nov. 4 and attempted to enter the outer loop of I-495, according to a report from Maryland State Police.

"As she was attempting to enter the outer loop of I-495 from Rt. 50, she was merging onto the exit ramp that was occupied by the blue minivan," the report states. "The victim reported she both increased and decreased her speed in an effort to merge safely, either in front of, or behind the van. She said the minivan driver deliberately increased and decreased his speed as she did, to prohibit her from entering the lane."

During this encounter, the woman saw the driver point a handgun toward the passenger side of her car and fire one time, prompting her to maneuver away from the van and get on the outer loop of I-495, exiting at Route 450 and calling 911. The blue minivan was last seen headed westbound on Route 50, according to the report.

Troopers from the College Park Barrack found an indentation on the passenger side door consistent with a bullet from a small caliber handgun, the report states.

Police ask that anyone with information contact the Maryland State Police at the College Park Barrack, at 301-345-3101. Callers can remain anonymous. The suspect is described as a thin African-American male with short dreads who was wearing a white t-shirt.

Image via Flickr user Scott Davidson