WEST FRIENDSHIP, MD—An Ohio resident, James Wells, 39, was arrested this morning by Maryland State Police after he allegedly pointed a paintball pistol at another driver during a road rage incident on Interstate 70 in Howard County.
The incident was reported to the police
The altercation occurred at approximately 9:30 AM on Friday, west of the West Friendship Scale House on I-70 West. The victim, who reported the incident to Maryland State Police at the Waterloo Barrack, described a tense encounter with the driver of a blue Chevrolet, later identified as Wells. Fearing for his safety, the victim immediately called 911 and provided the assailant’s license plate number.
Police response and investigation
Troopers from the Frederick Barrack responded by locating and stopping the suspect vehicle on westbound I-70 at MD-15 in Frederick. During the traffic stop, Wells admitted to brandishing a loaded paintball pistol, which he then surrendered to the police.
After consulting with the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office, Wells was charged with first-degree assault and taken to the Howard County Department of Corrections for processing. The incident highlights the dangers of aggressive behavior on the roads and the serious legal consequences that can follow.