Ripon, CA – Officer and Passenger Injured After Car Fire on Jack Tone Rd and Santos Ave

Ripon, CA (September 4, 2024) – An officer suffered second-degree burns after rescuing a passenger from a burning vehicle following a crash in Ripon. Police responded to a report of erratic driving at Love’s truck stop around 9 p.m. Monday involving a white Tesla. The driver sped off, and moments later, a crash was reported at Jack Tone Rd and Santos Ave.

The Tesla, driven recklessly, collided with other vehicles and caught fire. The driver fled, leaving a passenger inside. Officer Jacob Veltkamp quickly rescued the passenger moments before the car was engulfed in flames. Veltkamp sustained burns to his hands, and the passenger remains in critical condition.

Authorities are investigating the crash and will provide updates as more information becomes available.