UPDATE: 3 Arrests After Pursuit Ends In Fiery Crash Blocking Lanes On Carquinez Bridge
MARTINEZ (CBS SF) - A sheriff's pursuit through Contra Costa County ended in a fiery crash, shutting down lanes on the Carquinez Bridge for hours late Tuesday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Contra County sheriff's office said that at about 8:52 p.m. a deputy traveling eastbound on I-80 in the area of Highway 4 attempted to conduct a traffic stop on an Audi that was driving recklessly at speeds of approximately 120 mph.
The driver failed to yield and the deputy initiated a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit was terminated shortly prior to the bridge.
The driver of the Audi later apparently lost control as he entered the bridge, striking another vehicle. Both vehicles then caught fire.
Three suspects, who exited the Audi and fled eastbound on foot across the bridge, were taken into custody. The suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include felony evading, reckless driving, and resisting arrest.
The driver of the other vehicle who had exited his vehicle received minor injuries.
Car fire/explosion on #carquinezbridge pic.twitter.com/iiLfUUiuEf
— Jen Winckler (@jwinkleton) November 24, 2021
The first sig-alert was issued around 9 p.m. A fully engulfed vehicle fire was burning on Interstate 80 just east of Pomona Street. Motorists were advised to expect delays and use alternative routes.
At 9:53 p.m., two lanes were reopened. There was no estimated time for reopening all lanes.
At about 10:30 p.m. a sig-alert was issued indicating 3 lanes were reopened, and only one lane was blocked.
The sigalert was lifted at about 10:50 p.m., when all lanes were reopened.