Watch CBS News

2 Sheriff's Cruisers Damaged In High-Speed Chase, Crash In Berkeley

BERKELEY (KCBS) — Two Contra Costa sheriff's vehicles were damaged by fire near a freeway off-ramp at during a high-speed chase early Monday morning, in which the suspect's vehicle was able to get away, authorities said.

Contra Costa County Sheriff's acting Lieutenant Paul Beard said it all started about 3 a.m. when a deputy on patrol spotted a dark or black Lexus driving without its lights on near Olinda and Castro Ranch Roads in El Sobrante. The deputy attempted to make a traffic stop when the Lexus fled leading to high-speed chase on I-80.

"The pursuit lasted 11 minutes until we got here to the University Avenue off-ramp. The Lexus took the off-ramp and then quickly left the off-ramp to get back on the freeway," beard said.

2 CC Sheriff's Cars Damaged In High-Speed Chase; Suspect Gets Away

While in pursuit and driving through ice plants and other brush adjacent to the off-ramp, the exhaust from one of the deputy's vehicles sparked a fire that eventually engulfed the patrol car in flames.

Both deputies were able to escape the blaze unhurt, but the Lexus was able to get away.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.