Orlando, FL – An alleged road rage confrontation on a busy Central Florida highway escalated into gunfire over the weekend, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old Orlando man, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Road Rage Encounter on State Road 408
According to an arrest affidavit, officers spoke with the victim, who reported driving a pink vehicle eastbound on S.R. 408 near Semoran Boulevard and Lake Underhill Road on Sunday. The victim told police a gray van pulled alongside him, and the driver accused him of cutting the van off in traffic.
Police later identified the van’s driver as Mitchell Eugene Langford III, 24, of Orlando. Investigators said Langford allegedly claimed the victim had thrown “a cup containing liquid” at his vehicle before speeding away.
Escalation Leads to Gunfire
The situation quickly escalated when the victim admitted to briefly following the van and throwing a soda can back toward it. According to the victim’s statement, Langford then retrieved a black pistol from inside the van and fired a single round.
Police said the gunshot struck a concrete barrier along S.R. 408, narrowly missing passing vehicles. No injuries were reported, but authorities stressed the danger posed by discharging a firearm on an active roadway.
Vehicles Exit Highway and Stop at Gas Station
After the gunfire, both vehicles exited State Road 408 at West Michigan Street and pulled into a nearby gas station, where officers later responded and interviewed those involved.
Investigators said the stop allowed officers to safely separate the parties and begin collecting statements from witnesses.
Passengers Confirm Shooting
According to the affidavit, two passengers inside the gray van provided sworn statements corroborating the victim’s account. Both passengers told officers that Langford initially threw water at the victim’s vehicle during the confrontation.
One passenger told police she personally witnessed Langford fire the gun from inside the van. She also stated that after the shooting, she saw Langford place the firearm’s magazine into her purse, an action that became a key detail in the investigation.
Suspect Denies Gun Possession
Despite multiple witness statements, police said Langford denied having a firearm during the incident. He also refused consent for officers to search the vehicle at the scene.
However, based on the consistent statements from the victim and the van’s passengers, along with physical evidence from the scene, investigators determined there was probable cause to take Langford into custody.
Charges Filed
Langford was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including:
- Discharging a firearm in public
- Improper exhibition of a weapon
Authorities did not confirm whether the firearm was later recovered, and additional charges could be considered as the investigation continues.
Police Warn Against Road Rage
Law enforcement officials continue to warn drivers that road rage incidents can quickly turn deadly, especially when weapons are involved. Officers urge motorists to avoid engaging with aggressive drivers, maintain distance, and contact police rather than retaliating.
Discharging a firearm on a crowded roadway like S.R. 408, which sees thousands of vehicles daily, poses an extreme risk to innocent drivers and passengers.
Ongoing Investigation
The Orlando Police Department continues to review evidence related to the case. Anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident is encouraged to contact authorities.
Officials emphasize that emotions behind the wheel can escalate rapidly and remind drivers to prioritize safety over confrontation.
What are your thoughts on road rage incidents and firearm safety on busy highways? Have you ever experienced aggressive driving in Orlando? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and join the discussion.
