An investigation is ongoing after a man died when a stolen van caught fire and crashed into a house in East Oakland on Wednesday morning.
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Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong said in a Wednesday afternoon news conference that officers identified the white van as stolen near Ney Avenue and El Monte Avenue, prompting the van to flee. The Oakland Police Department said in a release on Wednesday night that officers were dispatched to the area "after 10:45 a.m."
Armstrong said officers opted not to pursue the van, but instead monitored its whereabouts from above using a helicopter. As the van continued to drive away with punctured tires, the holes are thought to have started a fire aided by unknown "accelerants" inside the vehicle, he said.
"Once those tires caught fire, the entire van was engulfed in flames," Armstrong explained.
He estimated the vehicle made it 2-3 miles before careening into a fence outside a house near Avenal Avenue and 62nd Street. The flames spread into the house and vehicles outside the residence, causing unknown damage, according to KPIX.
The man inside the van wasn't able to get out in time.
"I want to be clear," Armstrong continued. "There was no pursuit. Officers never pursed this vehicle with lights and sirens."
Several blocks were closed around the scene and investigators pieced together the chain of events.
The victim has not been identified pending notification of next of kin.
Three separates offices within the department are investigating the incident.
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