Suspect's van catches fire after chase, causes NC police, sheriff deputy cars to burn

PINEBLUFF, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Raleigh man is facing several charges after a pursuit involving at least two law enforcement agencies ended with three vehicles catching fire, which included the suspect's van.

The agencies involved in the chase are the Moore County Sheriff's Office and the Pinebluff Police Department.

The sheriff's office initiated the chase around 2:30 p.m. Friday after spotting a stolen van on southbound U.S. Highway 1 in the Aberdeen area of Moore County. The chase started when deputies attempted a traffic stop on the van.

The pursuit continued into Richmond County and ended when the driver, identified as 37-year-old Aaron Leach, drove the alleged stolen van into a field and ran off into a wooded area.

The heat from the van's engine caused the field to catch fire, which resulted in fire damage to a sheriff's office patrol car. The fire department was able to get the fires out but the cars appeared to be completely burned.

ABC11 confirmed that the Pinebluff officer and his K9 were able to get out of the vehicle and are safe.

Leach was taken into custody a short time later. He's accused of stealing a utility HVAC van out of Chatham County.

His charges include possession of stolen property, setting fire to a field, communicating threats, reckless driving and fleeing to elude arrest.

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