Police chase involving suspected stolen vehicle ends in fiery crash in Clayton

Clayton police said a vehicle that crashed into a tree and caught fire early Thursday was possibly stolen from a Garner area dealership.

2026-03-19

Clayton officers said a pursuit began after they noticed a vehicle with dealer markings but no license plate. It is believed to have been taken from a dealership in the Garner area. 

When officers tried to pull over the car, but the driver fled into Wake County, crashing into a tree on East Garner Road. The vehicle quickly caught fire and was fully engulfed in flames, officers said. 

Clayton police removed the driver from the burning vehicle. The driver had serious injuries and burns. They were transported to WakeMed for treatment. 

Charges are pending, officers said.