VERO BEACH, Fla. — Law enforcement pulled a suspect from a burning vehicle after he fled a traffic stop and crashed into a tree.
The Vero Beach Police Department said police attempted the traffic stop on the vehicle near the 4300 block of 26th Street. 41-year-old Donald James Jr., drove off and headed west, which prompted Indian River County deputies to respond when officers lost sight.
WATCH: Police pull Florida driver from burning car they say he fled traffic stop
While searching the area, deputies found the vehicle engulfed in flames in a small field on the west side of 26th Street and 82nd Avenue.
Police said they believed the vehicle crashed into a tree while fleeing. Law enforcement officials pulled James from the wreckage, and he was taken to a local hospital.
According to officials, James was on inmate release status for a past murder and is now facing new felony charges for fleeing/eluding. Police did not specify why they attempted a traffic stop on James.
“This is just an insult.”
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