A reported road rage confrontation on Interstate 80 in Hammond Monday afternoon ended with the arrest of an Illinois man after Indiana State Police say he allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at another driver.

According to Sgt. Glen Fifield of the Indiana State Police Lowell Post, troopers responded at approximately 2:25 p.m. on July 13 to a report of a road rage incident on I-80 eastbound near the 3-mile marker, near Kennedy Avenue. Region I Dispatch advised responding troopers that a driver had reportedly pointed a handgun at another motorist and that shots may have been fired.

The victim told investigators the driver of a white Hyundai Sonata pointed a handgun at them while both vehicles were traveling eastbound on I-80. The victim continued following the vehicle onto Cline Avenue before eventually losing sight of it.

A short time later, Trooper Garcia and Trooper Rosillo, assisted by officers from the Highland Police Department, located the Hyundai traveling westbound on Ridge Road near Kennedy Avenue. Officers conducted a traffic stop, and the driver was taken into custody without incident.

Police identified the driver as Leon D. Seaton, 47, of Riverdale, Illinois.

During the investigation, Seaton reportedly told troopers there was a “BB gun” inside the vehicle. However, Trooper Garcia located a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun inside the vehicle’s center console. Police said the firearm, which had a blue lower frame and black slide, had a round chambered and was ready to fire.

Investigators determined Seaton had allegedly pointed the handgun at the victim during the interstate road rage encounter.

Seaton was transported to the Lake County Jail and is being preliminarily charged with Pointing a Firearm at a Person, a Level 6 Felony. Indiana State Police said additional or final charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.

Indiana State Police noted that road rage incidents have become increasingly common both in Indiana and across the country. Troopers urge motorists to avoid engaging with aggressive drivers, remain calm, and contact law enforcement immediately if they feel threatened.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.