Indian River County deputies, Vero Beach police pull fleeing suspect out of burning car
By: -----
Vero Beach, FL - A chase after a suspect in Indian River County turned into a rescue.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that officers attempted to do a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of the 4300 block of 26th Street on Sunday night.
According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle fled to the west. Personnel with the Vero Beach Police Department lost sight of the vehicle, which led Indian River County Sheriff’s Office deputies to join in the search.
While searching the area, deputies were able to find the vehicle completely on fire in a small field on the west side of 26th Street and 82nd Avenue. Personnel from both agencies worked to pull the man out of the vehicle and away from the fire. The sheriff’s office believes the vehicle crashed into a tree.
The person inside the vehicle was identified as Donald E. James Jr., 41 and was transported to a local hospital. The sheriff’s office said James was on inmate release status for a past murder and will be charged with fleeing and eluding.