Man arrested after machete-related road rage pursuit in Shuswap

A road rage incident on Highway 1 near Tappen, British Columbia, resulted in a police pursuit and the arrest of a 34-year-old man. The incident began when a driver exited a red Honda Civic while “holding a machete in a threatening manner towards another driver.”

The suspect, identified as Chiwetin Wapachee, fled eastbound in his vehicle, committing multiple motor vehicle violations. To intercept the driver, Sicamous RCMP established a roadblock at the east end of the R. W. Bruhn Bridge. Wapachee became trapped on the bridge while attempting to turn around and resisted arrest, requiring four officers to take him into custody.

Wapachee has been charged with possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats, flight from police while operating a vehicle, and dangerously operating a conveyance. No injuries were reported for the victim, the suspect, or the police officers involved.