A chase in Montgomery County early this (Monday) morning that began with a traffic stop, ended with the suspect vehicle getting away, and Sheriff’s vehicle going up in flames. No injuries were reported. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports Red Oak Police attempted to stop a vehicle at around 1:03-a.m., but the car took off. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy’s Buttercase and Anderson engaged in the pursuit just southeast of Red Oak.

As the suspect vehicle continued westbound from J Avenue on 215th Street and was able to maneuver around a deputy’s vehicle that had approached eastbound on 215th from Hickory. Officials say Deputy Buttercase was behind the offender and continued past Deputy Anderson’s patrol vehicle, attempting to maintain a visual on the suspect’s vehicle. During the chase, Buttercase attempted to slow down as he approached a the t-intersection after topping a hill, but his patrol car skidded past the turn and went into the west ditch off Hickory. The car sustained minimal damage at the time. The deputy secured his cruiser and was picked up by another officer as they continued to pursue the suspect.

The chase was called-off after authorities lost sight of the vehicle. When deputies returned to the ditched patrol vehicle, they found it to be fully engulfed in flames. Red Oak Fire was called and extinguished the fire. The 2011 Dodge Charger owned by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and its contents, were a total loss.

An investigation into the offender’s identity continues.