Suspect in I-270 Shootings Arrested in Connecticut

A man suspected of shooting at an off-duty police officer on Interstate 270 was arrested Thursday in Connecticut.

James H. Hill III, of New Haven, Conn., has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and first-degree assault, according to Maryland State Police.

At around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, a Prince George’s County Police sergeant was driving his personal car when he noticed a light-colored Audi with Connecticut tags reportedly speeding and driving erratically with its lights off. Police said the sergeant called Maryland State Police and followed the car from the outer loop of Interstate 495, near Georgia Avenue, to northbound I-270.

Then, the sergeant alleged, someone in the Audi fired a handgun at him more than once near mile marker No. 14. Police said the off-duty officer continued to follow the Audi, which exited onto Clarksburg Road and looped onto I-270 south.

Another shot was fired at him when the Audi stopped after exiting onto Father Hurley Boulevard, the sergeant alleged. He continued to follow the Audi as it drive onto I-270 north but lost sight of the car near a weigh station in Hyattstown.

Maryland State Police troopers from the Rockville and Frederick barracks, as well as Montgomery County Police officers converged on the area, though they were unable to find the Audi.

But the off-duty sergeant had the Audi’s license plate number, which investigators used to track down the suspect.

Police said Hill is currently being held in Connecticut as a Maryland fugitive. Extradition efforts were underway.