Crash Leaves Suspect Critically Hurt
WOODLAND HILLS — A suspected drunk driver led police on a high-speed chase Wednesday on the Ventura Freeway until his truck smashed into the center divider and burst into flames, critically injuring him, authorities said.
Jorg Boehlitz, 34, of Studio City, suffered third-degree burns over 50% of his body, including his face, when the cab of his pickup caught fire, said California Highway Patrol Officer Dwight McDonald.
The 2:31 a.m. accident occurred after police stopped Boehlitz for suspected drunk driving on the westbound Ventura Freeway at Tampa Avenue. As officers approached his truck, he sped off and led them on a chase at speeds up to 100 m.p.h., McDonald said.
At Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Boehlitz made a sharp left turn from the third lane and struck a center divider, McDonald said.
“The flames spread rapidly and officers put out the fire with their extinguishers and pulled him out,” he said.
Boehlitz was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.
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