Florida Road Rage Escalates Fast — Gun Drawn After Highway Crash

By Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published April 8th, 2026

🚨 Summary

Road rage incident reported on Interstate 275 near Sunshine Skyway South rest area
Crash involved two pickup trucks during reckless driving
One driver pulled a firearm during confrontation
Both drivers arrested on separate charges including aggravated assault and DUI

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A dangerous road rage incident along Interstate 275 in Manatee County ended with both drivers behind bars Wednesday morning following a crash and armed confrontation, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers responded around 8:25 a.m. on April 8, 2026, to reports of a reckless white Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound near the Sunshine Skyway South rest area.

Investigators say the Silverado, driven by Gary Thompson, 50, of Florida, was driving erratically when it sideswiped a white Dodge Ram pickup truck. Following the collision, both vehicles came to a sudden stop, and the drivers exited onto the roadway.

What happened next escalated quickly.

According to FHP, the driver of the Dodge Ram, identified as Paul Shannon, 55, pulled out a firearm and pointed it at Thompson, ordering him to get on the ground.

Troopers arrived on scene and took both men into custody.

Paul Shannon was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Gary Thompson was arrested for DUI and Refusal to Submit to a Urine Test

Both men were transported and booked into the Manatee County Jail.

Authorities say the incident was captured on video by a bystander, highlighting the seriousness and unpredictability of road rage situations.

Witness Video

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