Prince George's County police said they were investigating yesterday whether gunfire on the Capital Beltway caused a Capitol Heights man to veer off the busy highway during the Friday evening rush hour and crash in a wooded area.

Police found the body of Charles Frederick Carson, 33, inside his two-door gray Acura about 6 p.m in the woods off the northbound exit ramp of Interstate 495 at Pennsylvania Avenue.

Police combed the area because of reports from several witnesses who said they saw a car veer off the road into a ditch after hearing several shots.

When police located the car, they found Carson dead inside, and alone.

"Right now, we have not determined whether this was an accident or whether the victim was shot," said Cpl. Tora Coates, a spokeswoman for the county police.

Coates said Carson's car was heavily damaged and his body had severe injuries, but she did not know whether Carson or his car had been struck by bullets.

Pub Date: 9/06/98