Maryland State Police detained a Washington, D.C., man following a chaotic sequence of incidents on the Capital Beltway (I-495) that damaged three automobiles and disrupted rush hour traffic.
The accused, Jeremiah David Fairfax, 23, of Washington, D.C., is facing many counts after evading a traffic stop, crashing a stolen vehicle, and attempting to leave on foot.
The Incident
According to Maryland State Police, the incident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, during peak rush hour traffic.
A trooper from the College Park Barracks saw a dark gray Honda Insight traveling erratically on the inner loop of I-495 near Glenarden Parkway. When the trooper started a traffic stop, Fairfax first appeared to comply by pulling the vehicle to the shoulder.
However, as the vehicles came to a halt, the Honda quickly accelerated back into the travel lanes. The fleeing vehicle collided with three more vehicles before becoming disabled.
Foot Chase And Arrest
Following the crash, Fairfax fled the vehicle and attempted to leave on foot. The trooper pursued him and successfully apprehended him at the site. Fairfax was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries incurred during the collision before being booked.
A preliminary inquiry found that the Honda Insight was reported stolen to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Stolen Car And Firearm Recovery
During an authorized search of the vehicle, troopers found:
- A loaded 10mm Glock handgun with a high-capacity magazine
- Suspected cocaine
- Suspected cyclobenzaprine
- A digital scale and other drug paraphernalia
The Charges
Following consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, Fairfax was charged with:
- Felony Motor Vehicle Theft
- Unlawful Wearing/Carrying of a Loaded Handgun
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
- Various other firearm and traffic-related charges
Additional drug accusations are pending. Fairfax is now being held without bond in the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.
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