Car erupts into flames while fleeing deputies on Interstate 24 at 90 mph

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A vehicle being chased at 90 mph on Interstate 24 burst into flames near Exit 1 Wednesday night.

At about 8:40 p.m., a Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputy tried to stop a sedan on the Exit 4 westbound on-ramp of I-24, according to MCSO Sgt. Bishop Delaney. The vehicle did not have its headlights on, and the deputy suspected the driver may have been under the influence.

The vehicle did not stop and fled onto I-24 westbound, with speeds reaching 90 mph.

“The vehicle then appeared to have mechanical issues, and debris from the vehicle flew off and struck the patrol vehicle causing minor damage. As the vehicle continued to flee it caught on fire and eventually came to a stop at the 2-mile marker,” Delaney said.

The 21-year-old driver was uninjured and refused any treatment by EMS personnel on the scene. There were no other occupants. He was taken into custody on charges including evading arrest.

Clarksville Fire Rescue put out the vehicle fire.