Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Ivan Philip Vakauta, 35, was arrested for an alleged road rage confrontation.
- The incident involved reckless driving and pointing a gun at a family, police say.
- Vakauta allegedly admitted to the confrontation, claiming the other driver provoked him.
MIDVALE — A suspected road rage confrontation between two drivers ended with one man being arrested after police say he pointed a gun at another man and his family.
Ivan Philip Vakauta, 35, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Saturday for investigation of aggravated assault, reckless driving and making a threat of violence. Each potential charge comes with a road rage penalty enhancement.
On Saturday, a driver told police that a Toyota Tundra changed lanes in front of him on I-15 near 6000 South and that driver slammed on his brakes, according to a police booking affidavit. The driver said he changed lanes to get away from the Toyota, but then the same thing happened again.
"The suspect vehicle continued to get in front of them and cut them off and slam on their brakes. The victim stated that the suspect was speeding to catch up to them and cut them off," the affidavit alleges.
Both vehicles exited the freeway at 7200 South and stopped at a gas station.
"The suspect proceeded to start yelling at the reporting party and curse at them. The victim was with his wife and two young children in the car. The victim stated that the suspect got out of his vehicle and went to the back of his truck and pointed a black handgun at them," according to the affidavit. "The victim and his wife were both fearful that the suspect would shoot them."
The Toyota drove off as the other driver called 911. Police reviewing surveillance video of the incident were able to identify Vakauta as the other driver, the affidavit says. Officers went to his house where Vakauta claimed the other driver cut him off first and brake checked him.
"He stated that he was upset and did the same thing to Honda," according to the affidavit. "He admitted that he got upset with the other driver. He stated that he did get out of his vehicle and point his firearm at him. Vakauta stated he was in his truck with his wife and 5-year-old son."
