A late night joyride through north Sacramento turned into a fireball on the freeway Monday when a gray Ford Escape hit a raised concrete curb near the Bell Street off-ramp on Business 80 and went up in flames. The driver, who officials say is a minor, bolted from the burning SUV but was eventually found hiding behind a vehicle at a nearby Porsche dealership and taken into custody. Authorities say the teen had been pushing triple-digit speeds and driving the wrong way multiple times during the chase.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the pursuit started when an officer tried to pull over the Ford Escape after seeing it run a red light. Instead of stopping, the driver tore off into north Sacramento along Business 80 before crashing near the Bell Street off-ramp and sparking the freeway fire, as reported by FOX40.
Crash And Foot Pursuit
After slamming into the raised curb, the Escape caught fire and the driver bailed out, running from the wrecked SUV. Officers later tracked the suspect to Porsche Sacramento on Auburn Boulevard, where the teen was found hiding behind another vehicle. Authorities noted the suspect had lost their shoes somewhere along the way and was barefoot when taken into custody.
Charges And Investigation
Officials say the driver now faces multiple felony counts and remains in custody while the case is processed. The CHP called the chase “another reminder of the dangers officers face and the risks reckless drivers create for our community,” a statement reported by FOX40.
The CHP, along with partnering agencies, is investigating the collision and will review the pursuit under standard procedures. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or a detailed breakdown of the charges.
