FARGO - A reportedly stolen car crashed into a gas pump and started on fire early today in south Fargo, forcing authorities to close a major thoroughfare as firefighters battled the blaze.
An officer noticed the car traveling at a high rate of speed on 13th Avenue South at about 1:55 a.m. and tried to make a traffic stop, but the car fled south, according to Fargo Police Sgt. Joe Anderson.
The driver tried to turn left onto 20th Avenue South but was going too fast and crashed into the gas pumps at the Stop-N-Go at 2002 25th St. S.
The vehicle and some gas that spilled onto the ground started on fire, WDAY-TV reported. The car was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and 25th Street was blocked off because of the danger.
"The pumps are designed to automatically shut off once they're sheared, but there's a certain amount of residual fuel," Fargo Fire Department Capt. Gary Lorenz told WDAY-TV.
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The car's alleged driver ran from the scene and was later found in the 2400 block of 20th Avenue South.
Police arrested 20-year-old Dwayne Tensely of Fargo on suspicion of auto theft, reckless endangerment, fleeing a police officer and DUI, and cited him for various traffic violations.
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, WDAY-TV of Fargo and the Herald are owned by Forum Communications Co.
