Road Rage Incident Balloons For Driver In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA—A man was arrested Tuesday after pointing a gun at a fellow motorist and later being found in his vehicle with drugs and alcohol, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Peter Burnett, 20, of Stafford, was charged with brandishing a firearm, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, driving suspended, possession of marijuana, drinking while operating a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., received a report a weapon-involved disturbance in the area of Stafford Marketplace. A man told police he was on Doc Stone Road heading toward the intersection with Juggins Road when he saw a stopped vehicle holding up traffic. He hit his horn, prompting the stopped vehicle's driver—Burnett—to stick his head out the window.

After words were exchanged, Burnett reached into the back seat and then leaned out the window holding a gun. Passengers in his vehicle "managed to subdue" Burnett, who drove away quickly. The man followed him to Stafford Marketplace and called police, who weren't able to immediately find the vehicle.

Later that night, though, a deputy on patrol in the area of Garrisonville Road and Wolverine Way saw a vehicle traveling quite slowly. It then pulled over and Burnett got out. That's when the deputy realized it was same vehicle involved in the road rage incident.

Police detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which was searched. Found in it were pot, an open bottle of alcohol and a pellet gun. Burnett admitted it was the gun he had brandished earlier that day.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office