By Shawn Henry 
A road rage incident in Leesburg escalated into a violent confrontation Monday morning after police say one driver exited his vehicle armed with a machete and smashed another driver’s window before fleeing the scene.
Officers with the Leesburg Police Department responded around 7:40 a.m. to the area of Lawson Road SE and Trailview Boulevard SE following reports of a road rage encounter involving a weapon. When officers arrived, they began investigating an incident that involved two vehicles and a brief but aggressive confrontation.
According to police, the incident unfolded when one of the drivers stopped his vehicle, exited while holding a machete, and approached the other car. Investigators say the man then struck the passenger-side window of the second vehicle, causing the glass to shatter. After damaging the vehicle, the suspect left the area before officers arrived.
No additional injuries were reported in the initial police summary, but authorities treated the incident as a serious offense due to the presence of a weapon and the potential risk to the victim and others in the area during the morning commute.
Following an investigation, police identified and arrested 44-year-old Qadishtu Immiatiratu of Leesburg in connection with the incident. He faces charges of assault and brandishing a weapon, according to authorities. After his arrest, Immiatiratu was transported to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, where police say he is being held without bond.
Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the road rage encounter, including what led up to the confrontation and the actions of both drivers prior to the window being shattered. Police have not released further details about the vehicles involved or the extent of the damage beyond the broken window.
The Leesburg Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing and is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact police directly or reach out to the department’s Criminal Investigations Section. Anonymous tips are also being accepted through the local tip line.
Authorities continue to remind drivers to avoid confrontations on the road and to report aggressive behavior rather than engaging directly, especially when weapons may be involved.
All parties are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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