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Off-Duty State Trooper Charged After Pointing Gun At Another Driver On I-695 In Road Rage Incident, Police Say

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- An off-duty Maryland State trooper was arrested in a road rage incident on Sunday evening.

According to Baltimore County Police, Zachary Tyler Bowen allegedly pointed a gun at another driver on I-695 after he was allegedly cut off.

"The driver, the male victim, he changed lanes and didn't realize there was another car either in that area or close to him and there was some type of interaction," said Shawn Vinson, spokesman for Baltimore County Police.

Bowen, 28, has been a trooper with the Maryland State Police since 2012. He was most recently assigned to the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division.

Zachary Bowen
Zachary Bowen. Courtesy: Maryland State Police

Police said the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on I-695 near the Liberty Road exit.

That's when county police got a call about an assault along the beltway.

Police said a man and woman were travelling along the outer loop of I-695 when the man, who was driving, changed lanes.

Bowen, who was driving a Volkswagen Jetta, drove up along the victims' car and allegedly pointed a handgun at the pair.

Police said they are not sure if the gun used was his service weapon or his own weapon.

"I don't think he should've just pulled a gun out on an individual and got that upset," said driver Alicia Stokes.

The victims provided police with a description of the suspect that helped officers identify Bowen, who lives in Reisterstown.

Police went to Bowen's home and he was placed under arrest.

He was charged with two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and the use of the firearm in the commission of a violent crime or felony.

"I really don't think he had a right I think he should've treated it like any civilian, like we don't have a right to pull out a gun if someone cuts us off," another driver, Brenda Paul, said.

State police have suspended Bowen without pay.

Police said right now there is no indication the victims were armed or a threat to Bowen on the road.

Maryland State Police released a statement about Bowen's arrest:

Maryland State Police can confirm that Trooper First Class Zachary Bowen was arrested earlier today by the Baltimore County Police Department. As a result of the charges placed against him, TFC Bowen was immediately suspended without pay by the Maryland State Police.

TFC Bowen has been a sworn member of the Maryland State Police since January 2012. He was most recently assigned to the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division.

In addition to the criminal investigation by the Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Division will conduct an administrative investigation.  Any specific questions related to the arrest or investigation should be referred to the Baltimore County Police Department.

This story is developing. Stay with WJZ for the latest. 

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