A violent road rage incident in Frederick County, Maryland, in the early hours of Friday morning culminated in a dramatic police response and the arrest of a 41-year-old man. The suspect, identified as Gerome Alexander Quigley Jr., now faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly firing numerous gunshots at another vehicle on a local highway.
The frightening series of events began shortly after 2:30 a.m. when Maryland State Troopers received a distress call about an active shooting on westbound Route 340 near the Jefferson area. The caller, who was driving a red GMC Yukon, reported being pursued and fired upon by the driver of a gray Volkswagen. The harrowing call set in motion a swift and coordinated response by law enforcement.
According to Maryland State Police, the incident started at the County Hills Apartments in Frederick and escalated near the intersection of Ballenger Creek Pike and Ballenger Center Drive. Quigley allegedly opened fire on the Yukon at close range before continuing to shoot as he followed the vehicle along Route 340. Despite the gunfire, the victims—whose identities have not been disclosed—escaped unharmed.
Troopers responding to the scene located Quigley’s gray Volkswagen stuck in the snow in the highway median. Quigley, described by police as appearing impaired, was arrested without further incident. Officers searched his vehicle, uncovering a loaded 9mm handgun and spent bullet casings. Both the weapon and the vehicle were seized as evidence.
A closer examination of the victims’ GMC Yukon revealed the extent of the danger they faced. The vehicle was riddled with bullet holes on the passenger side, the driver’s window was shattered, and several bullets were found lodged inside the truck’s interior. The sheer volume of gunfire underscored the gravity of the situation.
Quigley has been charged with a range of offenses, including:
- Two counts of first-degree attempted murder
- Two counts of second-degree attempted murder
- Illegal use of a high-capacity magazine in the commission of a felony
- Multiple related firearm charges
Maryland State Police have not yet provided details about the motive behind the violent encounter, and the investigation remains ongoing. However, officials have called on anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage are urged to contact Maryland State Police at 301-600-4150 to assist with the case.
The arrest has brought some measure of relief to the Frederick County community, but the incident has also sparked concern over the rising prevalence of road rage incidents across the country. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and avoiding confrontations on the road.
“If you feel unsafe or threatened while driving, immediately contact 911 and focus on de-escalating the situation,” a Maryland State Police spokesperson said. “Your safety and the safety of others is paramount.”
Residents have expressed shock and dismay over the violent altercation. “It’s terrifying to think this could happen to anyone on a routine drive,” said Sarah Thompson, a resident. “You never know who might be out there carrying a weapon.”
This incident also highlights the growing concerns about firearm-related violence and the potential for everyday conflicts to escalate into life-threatening situations. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of reporting aggressive behavior on the roads and remaining vigilant to avoid unnecessary risks.
As Quigley awaits his day in court, investigators are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Both vehicles involved in the incident have been impounded for further examination, with forensic experts analyzing the bullet damage and other evidence to build a comprehensive case.
The Frederick County road rage shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise from escalating tensions behind the wheel. It underscores the importance of maintaining calm and seeking immediate help if faced with a potentially volatile situation.
While the victims in this case were fortunate to escape unharmed, the emotional toll of such an ordeal cannot be underestimated. For the broader community, this incident reinforces the urgent need for awareness, preparedness, and mutual respect on the roads.
As the legal process unfolds, the hope remains that justice will be served and that this case will serve as a catalyst for stronger efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Maryland State Police continue to investigate, and updates are expected as new details emerge.
