Suspect alleged sets fire to Zebulon police cruiser

ZEBULON, N.C. (WTVD) -- There was a close call for a Zebulon police officer Monday when his squad car erupted in flames while transporting a suspect.

Police said it was the suspect, 31-year-old Eric Timberlake, who lit the fire.

Timberlake is accused of setting the back seat of the patrol car on fire while being taken to the Wake County Jail.

Police believe Timberlake used a lighter to set the fire.

Timberlake was initially arrested on charges of robbery and resisting an officer. He now faces burning personal property charges.

Court records show Timberlake has been arrested half a dozen times in the last year.

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