Austin Officers Thrown Back from Exploding Car - Suspect Gets Back In Burning Car!

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police Department and Fire Arson investigators are looking into the cause of an explosion that sent three people, including two police officers, to area hospitals early Tuesday morning.

Fire officials say officers were trying to talk to a driver around 2 a.m. at the Stassney Food Mart on 5717 South Interstate 35. When officers tried to get closer to him, he jumped back in his car and said, “I think I’m going to set the car and fire,” according to APD dash camera video. A few seconds later, a loud pop is heard and fire engulfed the vehicle.

One of the officers said he saw the driver with a lighter in his hand and investigators believe the vehicle had fuel in it.

The officers were able to pull the driver — who was alone — out of the burning car before fire crews arrived, and the driver was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge in serious condition and may likely have to be taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

Police say they believe the driver of the vehicle was trying to commit suicide.

Meanwhile, one of the two officers involved went to South Austin Medical Center with minor injuries to his arm; he hit his elbow in the incident. The officer managed to drive his own cruiser to get checked out at the hospital and was treated and released. The other officer was treated at the scene and released.