Hwy 280 Pursuit Ends in Fiery Crash Near Los Altos Hills

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA - A man was arrested for allegedly leading an officer on a chase through Interstate Highway 280 that ended with a fiery crash near Los Altos Hills on the night of Dec. 21, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Matthew Bland, 36, of San Leandro, was arrested on suspicion of failing to yield in the chase that began on the freeway near Sand Hill Road in Portola Valley around 11:15 p.m., CHP Officer Art Montiel said.

The pursuit continued down the highway at up to 110 mph, but the officer lost sight of Bland's black 2011 Toyota Camry as it exited the Magdalena Avenue off-ramp, Montiel said.

The officer also exited the freeway and drove onto city streets looking for the Camry and a short time later, the police dispatch received a report of a car on fire in the bushes near the off-ramp.

Officers responded to the scene where they found the Camry had crossed through the off- and on-ramps before landing on its side and catching on fire, according to the CHP.

Santa Clara County firefighters responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the blaze, fire officials said.

Bland was found near the vehicle and was transported to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose for pain in his back, neck and shoulder, Montiel said.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via CHP