Federal Agent Pointed Gun In Severn Road Rage Case: Police

SEVERN, MD — A Severn man who is a federal agent faces several charges — including assault and stalking —after he allegedly pointed a gun at another driver in a road rage encounter, police say. William Virgil Dent, 57, of Severn is charged in an incident that escalated from tailgating to an argument and then a handgun drawn and pointed at the victim, according to Anne Arundel County Police.

Officers were called about 11 p.m. on March 26 to Severn Hills Way and Severn Hills Lane in Severn to meet with a driver who said that while he was at Harmans Road near Dorsey Road he pulled over so a tailgating vehicle could pass him. The driver of the second vehicle — later identified as Dent — reportedly stopped and got out of his vehicle to confront the victim. Authorities say the man drove away from the area but was followed again by Dent until they stopped in the area of Severn Hills Lane.

Investigators say Dent got out of his vehicle a second time and confronted the victim with a handgun, identifying himself as a federal agent. The men argued and the victim drove off without injury.

Dent works for the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Detectives obtained a warrant for him and Dent surrendered at the Western District police station in Odenton.

He was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, stalking and firearm use in the commission of a violent crime, police say.

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Photo of William Dent of Severn, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police