A man from Prince George's County was apprehended by Maryland State Police following incidents of gunfire reported from a vehicle in Anne Arundel County. The suspect, identified as Jose Gregario Cruz-Mendoza, age 45, faces multiple charges, including possession of a loaded handgun, reckless endangerment, and driving under the influence.
On Sunday afternoon, reports flooded in concerning shots being fired from a white Ford Excursion on MD Route 97 and subsequently on Route 50 in Annapolis. Authorities, combining efforts from the Maryland State Police Annapolis Barrack, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office, managed to halt the vehicle on westbound Route 50 at the interchange with I-97. Cruz-Mendoza, identified as the driver and sole occupant, was taken into custody after a tense traffic stop where officers witnessed him attempting to load a firearm.
The ensuing investigation by Maryland State Police led to the discovery of a Highpoint .9mm handgun with an altered serial number in the suspect's vehicle, along with a substantial number of spent shell casings and live rounds. Fortunately, despite the apparent danger posed by the situation, no injuries were reported.
Jose Gregario Cruz-Mendoza is being held without bail at the Jennifer Road Detention Center. Discernible signs of impairment were noted by troopers when Cruz-Mendoza was processed at the Annapolis Barrack. As the investigation marches forward, law enforcement urges anyone with information pertaining to the incident to reach out to the Annapolis Barrack at 410-267-5800. According to the official Maryland State Police news release, the investigation continues, and further updates are anticipated as new details emerge.
