Crime & Safety
Driver Pulls Out A Gun During Road Rage Incident, Points It At Victim In Stafford: Police
After another driver honked at him, a driver in Stafford pulled out a gun and pointed at the victim's vehicle while cursing, police said.
STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A road rage incident in Stafford County on Wednesday led to several charges for a man. Police claimed the suspect pointed a gun at a vehicle after a driver honked at him.
No injuries were reported, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.
Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Danarian Thompson. He is charged with brandishing a firearm, unlawful stopping on a highway, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
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After his arrest, Thompson was released on an unsecured bond. If convicted of all charges, Thompson could face up to two years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Wednesday near Warrenton Road and Celebrate Virginia Parkway. The victim told police they were stopped at a traffic light behind another car.
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When the light turned green, the victim honked their horn to let the other driver know. The driver of the other car got out of their seat and pulled out a gun, according to the police report.
The armed man, who police identified as Thompson, pointed the gun at the victim and cursed at her and the young child that was also in the vehicle, police said.
Thompson drove away, and the victim followed him to give information to police about where he was going.
A Stafford County deputy stopped Thompson on Holly Corner Road. The deputy found a 9 millimeter Taurus pistol in Thompson's car, the sheriff's office said.
AAA offers several pieces of advice to prevent road rage incidents on their website. Here's what AAA recommends to avoid a confrontation:
- Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.
- Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.
- If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital or fire station.
- When you park, allow room so you can pull out safely if someone approaches you aggressively.
- Use your horn to attract attention, but remain in your locked vehicle.
- If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.
- If you feel threatened, call 911.
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