Maryland Police Seeking Gunman Who Shot At Motorist On I-495

SILVER SPRING, MD — An unidentified gunman who shot at a motorist Monday afternoon is the subject of a search by the Maryland State Police. So far, the motive for the shooting is unknown.

The shooter is described a heavyset African American man with facial hair who was wearing a red shirt. He was driving a blue Hyundai sedan, possibly a Sonata.

At around 3 p.m. on Monday, police said, the suspect was traveling on the outer loop of I-495 in Silver Spring when he fired "at least one shot" into a vehicle.

But that wasn't the end of the story. Minutes later, the shooter was stopped by a Montgomery County police officer "for erratic driving behavior," according to the statement by state police.

"While the officer was initiating the stop, an unidentified witness pulled over and advised the Montgomery County police officer that the driver of the Hyundai had just been involved in a shooting," the statement continued. "Moments later, before the Montgomery County police officer was able to investigate further, and before the driver of the Hyundai was identified, the driver fled the scene. A short pursuit was initiated, but was terminated prior to being able to identify the driver."

Troopers with the state police did manage to locate the victim of shooting. Aside from the bullet lodged in the passenger side front door of the vehicle, the victim was unhurt.

Police are now looking for anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has information regarding the shooter's vehicle, its registration information, or his identity. People can call the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101 or email Michael.obrien@maryland.gov.