Chase suspect set himself on fire after ramming RCMP vehicle: police

RCMP have charged a man they say stole a vehicle, led officers on a chase, rammed an RCMPvehicle then set himself on firenorthwest of Saskatoon.

Saskatoon police toldWarman RCMP shortly about a vehicle being driven erratically shortly before midnight on May 5, according to a news release.

Police said it was seen leaving the city heading west on Highway 16 travelling at high speeds and posing a danger to other drivers.

RCMP started tracking the vehicle with support from the Saskatoon police air support unit.

Spike belts used

RCMP said initial attempts to stop the vehicle with spike belts were not successful but another vehicle belonging to a member of the public was damaged.

Police said the driver tried to steal fuel then rammed an RCMP vehicle before fleeing the yard, leading officers on a pursuit and eventually getting stuck in a field..

Man set himself ablaze: police

Police said he doused himself and the vehicle with gasoline and set himself on fire.

Officers used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The RCMP says the suspect suffered minor injuries but the vehicle was destroyed.

Nobody else was injured during the chase. Saskatoon police said Monday the vehicle had more than 30 near-misses with other vehicles before the driver was arrested.

Police said the suspect was treated for his injuries and taken into custody before being charged with failure to stop for a peace officer, arson, assault on a peace officer, theft under $5,000 and breach of conditions.

His next court appearance is scheduled for May 9 at 10 a.m. CST at Saskatoon Provincial Court.