Big Island police arrested a 54-year-old Puna man following an apparent road rage incident Wednesday with another vehicle’s occupants, witnessed by numerous passing motorists.

Police said the Puna man was driving up Makuu Drive in a blue BMW sedan when he apparently became upset after a 47-year-old man driving a blue Chevrolet Equinox pulled out from a side road in front of him.

The BMW driver then overtook the Chevy, stopped in front of it, got out and confronted the driver and passenger, the driver’s 17-year-old son, who remained in their vehicle, police said.

The teen then allegedly acted aggressively toward the BMW driver, according to police.

The BMW driver got back in his car, made a U-turn and allegedly rammed his car into the driver’s side of the Chevrolet, forcing it off the roadway and into a guardrail, police said.

The collision occurred at about 7:49 a.m. on Makuu Drive at the intersection with Route 130 (Keaau/Pahoa Highway).

Several motorists reported the incident to police.

The BMW driver was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The Chevy driver and his son were also injured, but refused medical treatment.

Police arrested the teen on suspicion of criminal property damage, but he was released pending further investigation.

The BMW driver was arrested on suspicion of first-degree criminal property damage after being discharged from the hospital.

Anyone who witnessed the Makuu Drive collision is asked to call Detective Wendell Carter at 961-2378.

Anonymous tipsters may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.