Collision sets off fire at Chandler gas station; bystander injured

PHOENIX – Police in Chandler arrested a man suspected of crashing into a pump that burst into flames at a gas station and injured a woman.

Clemente Torres, 21, was booked on counts that included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, endangerment, criminal damage and leaving the scene at Chandler Boulevard and Alma School Road early Thursday afternoon.

ABC15 reported a witness said the woman was standing at her car a few feet away when Torres’ sedan hit the pump.

Authorities said Torres had pulled up to a pump on the wrong side of his gas tank. He peeled out from the spot, causing his car to slide.

Flames sprang up almost immediately on impact.

UPDATE: @ChandlerPolice confirm the man seen in this photo, Clemente Torres, was the DUI suspect arrested after causing a car fire in #Chandler today: https://t.co/v8ZAXugdaC #abc15 pic.twitter.com/CsgZDnaBBB

— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) October 25, 2019

Other first responders said the woman suffered burns and was taken to a hospital. She was expected to recover.

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