Mecklenburg Grand Jury Indicts Suspect in I-85 Shooting

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The Mecklenburg County Grand Jury has handed down eight felony indictments against Jason A. Glidewell II, 20, of Bracey, Virginia, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Interstate 85 in August 2025. Glidewell is charged with first-degree murder, firearm offenses, and other related crimes for the death of 20-year-old Hunter A. Bates of Colonial Heights.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety on Virginia's highways. The indictment of Glidewell brings some closure to the August 2025 incident, which left one young man dead and raised concerns about road rage and the accessibility of firearms.

The details

According to Virginia State Police, the indictments against Glidewell include charges of first-degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, felony homicide, shooting a firearm from a vehicle, maliciously shooting at a vehicle, reckless handling of a firearm, and unlawfully shooting/wounding a person while committing a felony. Glidewell was taken into custody on September 3, 2025 and charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in connection with the shooting.

• On August 28, 2025, Virginia State Police were notified of a reported shooting on Interstate 85 northbound at the five-mile marker in Mecklenburg County.
• On September 3, 2025, Glidewell was taken into custody without incident and charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm.
• On February 19, 2026, the Mecklenburg County Grand Jury handed down the eight felony indictments against Glidewell.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jason A. Glidewell II out on bail.