A Leesburg driver who simply pulled over to let a tailgating car pass ended up facing a gun pointed at their vehicle and a bullet that blew out a rear tire, according to the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit. Anthony Stephon Calloway, a 42-year-old convicted felon, was sentenced to three and a half years in the Florida Department of Corrections after a jury convicted him of illegally possessing a firearm and shooting at an occupied vehicle.
The confrontation began on December 19, 2023, when the victim was driving down Lone Oak Drive in Leesburg and noticed another vehicle following too closely, according to the State Attorney’s Office. The victim pulled over to let the car pass, but instead the other vehicle stopped alongside the victim’s car, and Calloway and another person got out and approached. Prosecutors say Calloway pulled out a firearm and threatened to “blast” the victim.
Driving Away, Then a Gunshot
The victim drove off, then heard a gunshot ring out from behind, according to the same account. That shot caused the victim’s rear tire to deflate. The victim called 9-1-1 to report the road rage incident and later handed over a video recording of the entire altercation, which officials used as evidence against Calloway.
Investigators traced the vehicle involved back to Calloway after running its license plate. When questioned, Calloway told authorities he had warned the victim several times before firing the gun at the ground, per the state attorney’s account. He was arrested and charged in connection with the incident, as reported by West Orlando News, which published its account on November 9, 2026, at this road rage shooting.
Jury Convicts, Judge Hands Down Sentence
Jurors deliberated for just 45 minutes before finding Calloway guilty as charged on both counts: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and shooting at an occupied vehicle. Judge Heidi Davis, who presided over the trial, sentenced Calloway to three and a half years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson said the firearm and vehicle offenses warranted prison time to deter future criminal behavior. “Given the defendant’s history of non-compliance and the public safety risk posed by these multiple violations, this sentence is warranted,” Gladson said. Assistant State Attorney Tyler Duffy successfully prosecuted the case.
What the Law Says
Under Florida Statute 790.19, wantonly or maliciously shooting at, within, or into a vehicle occupied by a person is classified as a felony of the second degree, according to the Florida Legislature. Separately, Florida Statute 790.23 makes it unlawful for a person to own or have care, custody, possession, or control of a firearm under certain conditions, per an excerpt published by The Florida Senate.
