MERCER — A district judge is facing misdemeanor charges over a traffic dispute.

Erie District Judge Tom Carney is accused of holding up a handgun while driving on Interstate 79 in Mercer County on Jan. 11. Police said he displayed the gun after a dispute with another driver, a Mercyhurst College freshman.

Carney said he was a victim and a lawyer said he acted in self-defense. The lawyer said Carney has a license to carry the gun. Carney was charged with terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct in a summons.