The McBride RCMP received a report of an erratic driver on Highway 16 heading towards Prince George just after 8:00 this morning (Thursday).
An officer with the Prince George detachment was dispatched to intercept the erratic driver as he approached the city.
While en route, police received another report from the public advising that the driver of the vehicle was trying to deliberately force on-coming vehicles off the road or to cause a head-on collision.
The RCMP attempted to pull over the vehicle near Purden Lake, however, the driver refused to stop.
The driver continued to drive dangerously across the centerline at on-coming traffic, at a high rate of speed.
Highway 16 was closed at Old Cariboo Highway to minimize the risk to public safety.
An hour later, officers utilized spike belts and other tactics to stop the vehicle near the intersection of Highway 16 and Giscome Road, just east of Prince George.
The man was arrested and remains in custody.
A female passenger was also arrested, but released shortly after.
No injuries were reported and the damage was minimal.
“To have an on-coming vehicle drive right at you, narrowly missing a head-on collision, is a terrifying situation for anyone driving on our highways” said Cpl. Craig Douglass, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP.
“We are relieved and maybe a little shocked that this situation did not result in more serious injuries to members of the public, the police, or the occupants of the car. I’m very proud of our officers, as well as those members of the public that called the police without hesitation.”
The vehicle was not insured.
The investigation is continuing.