Lake County >> A Sacramento man was trapped inside a vehicle when it burst into flames after crashing into an embankment, resulting in major injuries. Allegedly, he was attempting to flee officers. Lenard Harvey Jr. now faces multiple charges.
The incident began at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday when the Ukiah Area California Highway Patrol (CHP) requested assistance from Clear Lake Area personnel for a vehicle pursuit that reportedly reached speeds of more than 100 mph. The vehicle, described as a black 2014 Honda with dark tinted windows, was heading eastbound on Highway 20 and crossing over into opposite lanes, according to CHP officer Glen Thomas.
While conducting a search, the CHP found the suspect vehicle parked on Blue Lakes Road — but before they were able to make contact, the driver reportedly fled the scene, heading back onto Highway 20. Law enforcement again followed and Harvey led officers on yet another high-speed pursuit, Thomas said.
The Honda traveled east on the highway, again reaching speeds of more than 100 mph and crossing over double-yellow lines. Eventually the driver lost control, leaving the roadway on the north side of Highway 20, and crashed with a dirt embankment, CHP reports. He sustained moderate injuries and was partially trapped when the vehicle caught on fire.
CHP officers were able to extricate the victim, later identified as Harvey, and give him medical aid before being transported via REAcH air ambulance to Kaiser Hospital in Vacaville, Thomas said.
Cal Fire and North Shore Fire Protection District firefighters contained the car and vegetation fires with no other injuries reported.
Harvey, 26, was arrested and charged with suspicion of driving under the influence and felony evading. The incident is currently under investigation by Thomas.
