2 men arrested after armed road rage, DUI crash in Manatee County, FHP says
State troopers arrested two men after a collision on Interstate 275 led to an armed confrontation in Manatee County on Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
At 8:25 a.m., troopers responded to reports of a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, driven by Gary Thompson, 50, recklessly driving southbound on I- 275 near the South Sunshine Skyway Rest Area, according to FHP.
The Chevrolet Silverado then sideswiped a white Dodge Ram pickup, driven by Paul Shannon, 55, according to an FHP news release.
“Post collision, both pickup trucks abruptly stopped, and both drivers exited their vehicles,” the news release said.
A bystander caught video of an armed standoff that followed, according to FHP. The video shows Shannon approaching Thompson with a gun in his hand, demanding that Thompson get on the ground. Thompson then laid down on his stomach, the video shows.
The Chevrolet Silverado rolled off the interstate and onto the grass during this exchange, but did not collide with any other vehicles, the video shows.
Shannon is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and Thompson is charged with DUI and refusal to submit to a urine test. Law enforcement booked both men into the Manatee County Jail.
FHP urges individuals who see someone driving recklessly or impaired, or who witnesses a road rage incident, to call 911 or *FHP. Troopers also recommend creating distance, staying safe and not escalating the situation.
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 4:37 PM.
