A dangerous encounter unfolded on Wednesday afternoon in Prescott as 70-year-old James Crespo, facing a felony warrant for weapons misconduct, was involved in a fiery confrontation with law enforcement. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Crespo, who had an active warrant from Maricopa County, was located by Prescott Police and the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office as he drove towards Prescott on Thumb Butte Road.
Police reports indicate that when officers attempted to halt Crespo's progress utilizing spike strips, he brandished a blow torch from his vehicle's window and ignited it. Crespo's refusal to pull over led to a pursuit that culminated in Crespo ramming a police car and then his vehicle being trapped by sheriff's deputies. An explosion ensued within Crespo's vehicle, engulfing it in flames, according to ABC15. Crespo emerged wielding a propane tank and the previously mentioned blow torch.
Amidst the chaos, a Yavapai County Sheriff's Office deputy's vehicle also caught fire, the flames threatening nearby homes, leading to an evacuation until the situation was brought under control. Crespo eventually surrendered to officers after "less than lethal force options were utilized" as described by authorities. In a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, during the immediate aftermath of the explosion, a deputy implored Crespo to surrender citing the presence of children and the danger the fire posed to the neighborhood.
After the arrest, Crespo was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital for treatment, though no further details on his condition were released. Remarkably, no officers, deputies, or bystanders sustained injuries during the incident. FOX 10 Phoenix confirms that the Prescott Police is investigating the incident.
