Machete Drawn in Holland Tunnel Confrontation

Two angry drivers drew a knife and a machete in a confrontation with each other in traffic near the entrance of the Holland Tunnel in New Jersey yesterday morning, officials said.

A Port Authority spokesman, Steve Coleman, said one driver cut off the other driver under the covered roadway on Route 139.

The driver who was cut off jumped out of his car with a small knife, halting traffic, Mr. Coleman said.

In response, the other driver also stopped and pulled out "a large machete."

Then, "the guy with the small knife, realizing he was no match for the machete, called the police," Mr. Coleman said.

He said that after the initial confrontation, both drivers returned to their cars and drove on. Port Authority police, who have jurisdiction over the bridges and tunnels, responded to the knife-bearer's 911 call.

Both drivers were stopped at the junction of 14th Street and Route 139, about five blocks from the entrance to the tunnel, and were arrested.

Officials say they are investigating the incident and planned to charge both men.