PRESCOTT, AZ – A dramatic police chase culminated in a fiery explosion just outside Prescott, sending shockwaves through the quiet neighborhood. The chaos unfolded when a suspect ignited propane gas, setting both his vehicle and a police cruiser ablaze, leaving residents in disbelief.
The incident began as a routine traffic stop but quickly escalated when 70-year-old James Crespo, wanted on a warrant from Maricopa County, refused to comply. Authorities initiated a pursuit, deploying spike strips in a bid to halt Crespo’s escape. Undeterred, he continued with a dangerous ploy, wielding a blowtorch from his car window.
The chase reached its climax near Country Club Circle, where Crespo’s actions led to a series of explosions that residents described as akin to a war zone. “It was like bombs going off,” a local homeowner remarked, recalling the terrifying scene that lit up the night sky.
Beverly, a resident whose home borders the scene, expressed her deep concern for the safety of her community, particularly the children living in the area. The explosions, she noted, were unlike anything she had ever experienced in her four years living there.
Despite the intensity of the explosions, Crespo miraculously survived, though he sustained severe burns to his arms and head. He was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital for treatment. The incident left the community shaken but grateful, as no residents or first responders were injured.
In the aftermath, praise poured in for the swift actions of the police and fire departments. Residents commended their calm and efficient response, crediting them with preventing further disaster. “They were wonderful and amazing,” one resident said, acknowledging the first responders’ efforts to keep everyone safe.
The Prescott Police Department continues to investigate the events leading up to the explosions, seeking to understand how the situation spiraled so dramatically. Meanwhile, the community reflects on the night’s events, thankful for the outcome but aware of the potential for greater tragedy.
For now, the neighborhood remains on edge, processing the harrowing experience while expressing relief that no lives were lost in the chaos. The extraordinary events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the courage of those who step forward in times of crisis.