Pursuit ends after suspect's car bursts into flames in Costa Mesa

A pursuit came to a sudden and fiery end in Costa Mesa on Thursday after a suspect shot himself while fleeing police and crashed into a car on the side of the road. 

The suspect crashed near Placentia Avenue and Victoria street a little after 5 p.m., nearly 20 minutes after the chase began.

Police say the chase started after the suspect performed a traffic violation.   

During the brief pursuit with the Garden Grove Police Department, the suspect led officers through Newport Beach and Huntington Beach before making it to Costa Mesa where he crashed. Police say that's when the suspect shot himself. 

The rear wheels of the tire remained spinning as the car was pinned against the parked vehicle, causing them to spark and catch fire. 

As the blaze continued to grow, the flames reached the vehicle's gas tank and a small explosion occurred. 

The Costa Mesa Police Department responded to the crash and helped with traffic control while crews investigated the scene.