'Hand Gesture' Gets Handgun Response in Traffic Dispute

A man is facing a firearm charge after allegedly flashing a handgun during a traffic dispute, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department.

The victim, a 52-year-old Spotsylvania resident, told police that she was at the intersection of Gordon Shelton Boulevard and Fall Hill Avenue at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday.

The driver in a Kia behind her in the intersection allegedly honked his horn, prompting her 21-year-old son in the passenger seat to use a "hand gesture" toward the Kia.

The Kia followed the woman's car onto Carl D Silver Parkway and pulled up beside her. The driver then allegedly pulled a holstered handgun out and pointed it at the woman's car while verbally threatening the victims, according to police spokesperson Natatia Bledsoe.

The woman was able to note the license plate and the other driver was located at a Spotsylvania shopping center and detained. 

Kenneth Chaffin, 77, of Spotsylvania is charged with brandishing a firearm. He was released by the magistrate on a $1,500 bond and the handgun was confiscated as evidence.