Vero Beach, Florida – A police chase in Indian River County ended with a dramatic rescue from a burning car.

The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said the incident began Sunday night with a traffic stop attempt.

Deputies tried to stop a vehicle in the 4300 block of 26th Street.

The vehicle fled west, and Vero Beach police soon lost sight of it.

Indian River County deputies continued the search in the area.

They later found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames in a small field near 26th Street and 82nd Avenue.

Deputies and officers worked together to pull the driver from the burning vehicle.

The car is believed to have crashed into a tree.

The suspect, identified as Donald E. James Jr., 41, was taken to a local hospital.

He was on inmate release status for a past murder.

He will now face charges of fleeing and eluding.

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