What began as a violent carjacking ended in a scene of flames, shattered glass, and seconds that could have cost a woman her life.
Police say a suspect forcibly stole a vehicle late at night before speeding away, triggering a pursuit that quickly spiraled out of control. Within minutes, the stolen car crashed and burst into flames, trapping a woman inside as fire engulfed the interior.
Responding officers arrived to find the vehicle already ablaze. Body camera footage later released shows thick smoke pouring from the driver’s side as flames crawl across the dashboard and seats. The woman inside appeared disoriented and unable to exit on her own.
Without waiting for backup, one officer rushed toward the burning car.
Video shows him pulling the door open despite intense heat and smoke. He reached inside, grasped the woman, and dragged her out as flames intensified behind them. Moments later, the vehicle became fully engulfed.
Authorities described the rescue as “life-saving,” noting that the fire spread rapidly after the crash. Fire investigators later confirmed that the vehicle sustained catastrophic interior damage, leaving little doubt that the woman would not have survived had she remained inside much longer.
Carjackings have risen in several metropolitan areas in recent years, prompting law enforcement agencies to issue safety advisories. According to data compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, carjacking incidents often involve violence or threats of force, placing victims at significant risk of injury.
