Body cam footage shows moment SPD officers pull man out of car before it catches fire

SEATTLE — Body cam footage shows the moment police pulled a driver from his car just before the vehicle went up in flames.

The driver crashed into a tree in the Madison Valley neighborhood after fleeing police Monday night, SPD said.

Officials said that around 9:40 p.m., officers tried to stop the car for a minor traffic violation near MLK Way and Yesler Way.

The driver sped away and officers lost sight of the car.

Police later found the car crashed into a tree in the 1800 block of MLK Way.

The driver was extricated from the smoking car and shortly after the driver was pulled out, the car burst into flames, according to a SPD spokesperson.

Several homes nearby had minor damage from debris from the crash.

The driver, who was approximately 40, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition, SPD said.

After he is released, the driver will be taken into custody for eluding police and an outstanding warrant. Police also found ammunition in the car, which the suspect is not allowed to possess as a convicted felon, SPD said.

Watch the body camera footage below - viewer discretion is advised.

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