Suspect Vehicle Crashes, Man Arrested After High Speed Police Pursuit

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) -- A high-speed police chase Friday morning ended in a ball of fire and with a serial robbery suspect behind bars. 19-year-old Marquis Hunter has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, but police say several more charges are coming.

It all started around 9 AM when Hunter allegedly robbed a Shell station in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.

"Prince George's County Police Officers observed a vehicle that was involved in numerous robberies here along the DC, Maryland line," said Cpl. Larry Johnson with Prince George's County Police.

When detectives approached, Hunter fled. He led D.C. police, Prince George's County Police, and a U.S. Park Police helicopter on a 45-minute long, high-speed chase. At one point, Hunter rammed into one of the cruisers, sending the officer to the hospital with minor injuries. Hunter then spun out of control and crashed into a tree on Southern Avenue NE.

"The police officers they had to break the window with a crow bar and they pulled him out and they had their guns drawn," said Vergil Davis, who lives across the street.

Shortly after, the car's engine burst into flames.

"We thought it was going to blow up," said Davis.

D.C. firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Hunter was handcuffed and taken away in an ambulance. He is currently in the custody of D.C. Police, but he will soon be extradited to Prince George's County where he will likely face several r