LAKE ORION (WWJ) - A 20-year-old man pulled over in Northern Oakland County had to be told that his vehicle was on fire.
It happened shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday, in the area of N. Park Blvd (M-24) and W. Flint St. in Lake Orion.
According to Lake Orion police, an officer on routine patrol heard a loud popping sound that resembled gun shot. He scanned the area until he spotted a small, red SUV also headed northbound on M-24 with its back hatch and rear bumper visibly aflame -- the fire quickly spreading closer to the fuel tank.
When the officer made a traffic stop, the Orion Township resident behind the wheel asked why he'd been pulled over.
When advised that his SUV was on fire, the driver jumped out and "was shocked to see the flames," police said. The officer called 911 and Oxford Township came to put the fire out.
The young man, who'd been heading to the bank after a stop in Downtown Lake Orion, told police he's unsure what could have started the fire in his 2008 Saturn Vue.
Fire officials preliminarily ruled the fire accidental, with the cause most likely the result of a portion of the exhaust system bent to come in contact with plastic portions of the vehicle.
No one was hurt.
"We are thankful for the officer's keen observations and fast response to safely stop the vehicle and remove the driver from harm," police said in a statement.
Police released a short video clip that the officer shot on his cell phone.
