Cops say a man told them he had been driving ... when he noticed a Jeep Gladiator "weaving in and out of traffic" while "honking its horn" behind him. They say the man told them he moved into the far right lane to avoid the car -- but the driver of the Jeep then pulled to the shoulder beside him, whipped out a black semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at him with "a strong stare."

In the docs, police say the man slowed down to get out of the way of the gun ... before they both hit an exit ramp together. While there, cops say the man told them he photographed the Jeep as well as its license plate number. They say he later ID'ed Wheeler as the driver by picking him out of a photo line-up.

9:56 AM PT -- Cash Wheeler just appeared in court ... where his attorney explained to the judge that the wrestler turned himself in late Thursday night on a warrant by the Orlando Police Dept.

Prosecutors at the proceedings told the courtroom the arrest appeared to be related to "a road rage-type incident."

"He allegedly flashed a handgun at the alleged victim," prosecutors said.