GREENBELT, MD – A road rage incident escalated into a terrifying ordeal for multiple drivers on Maryland highways last month, culminating in the arrest of 44-year-old Lavar William Henderson of Richmond, Virginia. Henderson now faces federal charges after a grand jury indicted him for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, authorities announced Thursday.
The drama unfolded on October 26th when U.S. Park Police received reports of a black Jaguar being driven erratically, with the driver – later identified as Henderson – allegedly pointing a gun equipped with a red laser at other motorists on I-495 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Four victims came forward, claiming Henderson not only brandished the weapon but also yelled at them and either physically assaulted or damaged their vehicles.
Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle near a crash scene and initiated a traffic stop. A search revealed a loaded 9mm pistol containing 14 rounds of ammunition inside. The weapon wasn’t just illegally possessed by Henderson, a convicted felon; investigators later determined the firearm had been stolen from Henrico County, Virginia, back in 2014. Henderson was initially taken into custody on state charges, and has now consented to detention while awaiting trial on the federal indictment.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron stated the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement.
If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, Henderson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. However, prosecutors emphasized that actual sentences are typically less than the maximum penalty, and a judge will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors before issuing a final ruling. An indictment is not proof of guilt, and Henderson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division, the U.S. Park Police, and the Maryland State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaShanta Harris and Patrick Kibbe are prosecuting the case. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegally obtained firearms and the potential for road rage to escalate into serious violence.
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