Woodbridge Man Charged With Brandishing Firearm In Road Rage Incident

No shots were fired and no injuries reported, but the 27-year-old now faces potential jail time.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun trigger and grip, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the dangers of road rage and firearm brandishing.A recent wave of road rage incidents involving firearms has raised concerns about public safety and the need for stricter enforcement of brandishing laws.Woodbridge Today

A 27-year-old Woodbridge, Virginia resident named Richard Ronniel Valois has been arrested and charged with brandishing a weapon after allegedly pulling out a firearm during a road rage incident on April 10th. The incident occurred on Centreville Road and Maplewood Drive, where police say Valois brandished the gun at another driver during an altercation between the two vehicles.

Why it matters

Brandishing charges can carry serious penalties in Virginia, including up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine. The charge can also be elevated to a felony if the incident occurs near a school. This case highlights the potential legal consequences for drivers who escalate confrontations on the road by threatening others with weapons.

The details

According to the Prince William County police, officers were called to the scene on the evening of April 10th where the two drivers were involved in an altercation. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported, but Valois was arrested and charged with the misdemeanor offense of brandishing a firearm.

  • The incident occurred on April 10, 2026.
  • Valois was arrested on the same day, April 10, 2026.

The players

Richard Ronniel Valois

A 27-year-old resident of Woodbridge, Virginia who was charged with brandishing a firearm during a road rage incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge will determine if Valois' charge will be elevated to a felony due to the incident occurring near a school.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder for drivers to avoid escalating confrontations on the road, as brandishing a weapon can lead to serious legal consequences even without any shots being fired or injuries occurring.