A 76-year-old man from East Wenatchee, Ralph A. Archer, stands accused of unlawfully displaying a handgun towards another motorist Tuesday afternoon while driving along Highway 2 near Monitor.
According to Washington State Troopers, the incident was reported around 3:15 p.m. after Archer allegedly brandished a firearm in the vicinity of milepost 115. The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, driven by Archer, was heading east at the time. Law enforcement officers, including troopers and police from neighboring agencies, managed to intercept Archer after he crossed the Odabashian Bridge. The SUV was ultimately brought to a halt on Eastmont Avenue at Baker Avenue.
Archer reportedly confessed to pointing his Glock 40 pistol at another driver on Highway 2 in response to being cut off in traffic. "I flipped the bird back to him with the gun in my hand," Archer admitted, as stated in a police arrest affidavit, expressing regret for his actions.
Archer now faces a gross misdemeanor charge of displaying a firearm. Following his arrest, he paid a $1,000 bond and was released at approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Archer is required to make an appearance in Chelan County District Court to address the charges against him.
