Man escapes burning car but not arrest

A Waipahu man escaped from a burning car he crashed early Sunday morning in Wai­kele, only to be arrested shortly thereafter.

A police officer saw the man, identified as Kristopher Kresge, 25, driving recklessly just before the car hit a light pole and caught fire. He was able to get out of the car without help. However, he was arrested when the officer learned the car had been reported stolen Saturday evening.

Paramedics took Kresge to the hospital in serious condition at about 12:23 a.m. from the crash site at Lumi­auau Street and Hopoe Place.

Police later charged him with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. Kresge’s aggregate bail was set at $20,000.