Police: Man fleeing from cops causes fiery crash after driving into gas pump

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Casselberry police arrested a man whose joyride ended in a fiery crash at a gas station on Howell Branch Road and Semoran Boulevard.

Police said the man was speeding and driving through red lights along SR-436, and then crashed into the BP gas station's gas pump. The man's car then caught fire.

Authorities said the clerk at the station, Cesar Valencia, acted quickly to disable the fuel flow with an emergency cut off switch.

"Just saw the gas spraying. The emergency button; hit it and pretty much ran for my life. I'm not going to lie. It's a little scary," said Valencia.

Investigators said the driver of the car had run a red light and was fleeing from a traffic stop when he crashed.

Witnesses said the driver initially tried to put the fire out.

"He was trying to put out the fire. He ran through the fire, and then we drove off. He was trying to put it out before it blew up, but then it blew up. It was crazy," said the unnamed witness.

Police said the driver fled from the scene, leaving his passenger behind.

However, a few minutes later, he came back to the scene, claiming his car had been stolen.

Police said they did not believe his story and arrested him.

The man's charred car was dragged onto a flatbed tow truck.

"It was pretty crazy man. Just another night at the BP," Valencia said.

The man's name was not released.

The fire even charred the canopy above the gas station. Repairs are being made, but it could be some time before this station is back to normal.

Investigators have not said if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

WFTV