Tense moments prevailed at Erattupetta town on Tuesday after a youth threatened local residents with a knife following a dispute over rash driving.

The incident occurred at Chennad Junction when a car carrying a young woman and a man collided with another vehicle. A heated argument broke out between the car passengers and local residents following the accident, during which the youth driving the car took out a knife and threatened those who questioned him.

The Erattupetta police, who rushed to the spot, took the youth into custody.

The accused was identified as Stan Varghese, a native of Thiruvalla, who had been absconding in connection with a theft case registered there. The police had received information that he would be arriving in Erattupetta in a car and were waiting to apprehend him. However, he allegedly managed to evade the police and sped away.

The vehicle later rammed into another car at Chennad Kavala, following which the police intercepted it by blocking its path.

According to officials, the accused was wanted in at least three criminal cases and an arrest warrant had also been issued against him.