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Stolen Car Set On Fire In Oakhurst, Suspect Flees

OAKHURST — The folks at Cornerstone Family Counseling had their rainy evening interrupted tonight when they heard a crash and hurried outside to find a burning car in front of the building, according to CHP at the scene.

Just after 9 p.m., reports came in of a car on fire in a parking lot at Road 426 and School Road (427).

When first responders arrived at scene, they found a 2012 Ford Fiesta fully engulfed in flames in front of James Watkins’s Law Office, which is adjacent to Cornerstone.

According to CHP, a witness reported seeing a Hispanic male throw a burning rag into the vehicle. The man then reportedly put the car in drive and let it roll from Road 426 into the parking lot, where it jumped the curb, came to rest in the landscaping and burst into flames.

A witness reported last seeing the man running away down School Road, says CHP. The vehicle was unoccupied when it crashed.

Firefighters were on scene within minutes, and had the fire contained in short order, keeping it from spreading to the nearby buildings.

Sheriff’s deputies also responded, and they, along with CHP officers, canvassed the area in search of the suspect, but were unable to locate the man.

The car had been reported stolen yesterday out of Ahwahnee.

If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information on the suspect who fled the scene, they are asked to contact Officer Jensen at the Oakhurst Area CHP Office at 559-658-6590.

The incident is under investigation by CHP.

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