Car bursts into flames, man arrested following police pursuit in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — A car burst into flames and a man was arrested following a police pursuit in Pittsburgh early Friday.

Pittsburgh police said an officer who was patrolling in the city saw a car run a red light while driving at a high rate of speed around 2:35 a.m.

PHOTOS: Car bursts into flames off I-279

The officer then initiated the lights and sirens on their car and attempted to stop the driver. Police said the driver ran several more red lights while continuing to drive at a high rate before getting onto the Veterans Bridge.

That officer notified 911 dispatchers that the car took off and to inform northern police departments to be on the lookout for a vehicle driving recklessly.

Police said the officer continued to follow the car onto northbound I-279. When the officer was approaching the Hazlett Street exit, they saw the car that the suspect was driving crashed out on East Street.

The driver then attempted to flee the crash scene. Police said after a brief foot chase, officers took Kenneth R. McKoy, 39, into custody.

While officers were putting McKoy into the police vehicle, the car that McKoy was driving burst into flames.

Channel 11 was the only one there when the car caught fire.

McKoy was taken to Allegheny County Jail. He’s facing charges of carrying a firearm without a license, fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and prohibited acts-possession with the intent to deliver.

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