Northern California officer rescues passenger from burning vehicle after driver flees

(FOX40.COM) — The passenger of an erratic driver in San Joaquin County is in critical condition after they were rescued by an officer from a burning vehicle on Monday night, according to the Ripon Police Department.

At 9 p.m., officers were notified of a white Tesla that had parked in multiple handicap spots and was driving in an unsafe manner.

The vehicle was found near a convenience store with the passenger inside. Officers were speaking with the passenger of the vehicle before the driver came out and sped away from police.

As officers were searching for the vehicle, dispatchers reported a crash at the intersection of Jackstone Road and Santos Avenue involving the Tesla.

The driver had fled on foot and left the passenger inside the burning vehicle.

Officer Veltkamp successfully pulled the passenger from the vehicle before the Tesla was fully consumed by the flames.

The passenger was taken to the hospital in critical condition and Officer Veltkamp received second-degree burns to his hands.

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