Police ID man in pump crash, fire

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Police say 22-year-old Keith W. Lauder, wanted on outstanding warrants, has been arrested for running into a Newport News gas pump.

The crash happened just after 8 a.m. at the Shell Gas Station located on Warwick Boulevard at the intersection of Elm Avenue in Newport News Tuesday morning.

"I heard two crashes," said Karen Johnson, who works at the gas station store. "I heard the first crash, which was the median strip he hit, and then the second crash, I thought he hit the building. But when I looked out , I saw the pump on fire and the car on top."

Security camera footage, obtained only by WAVY.com, shows the minutes leading up to the crash. In the video, the red SUV is traveling on Warwick Blvd. The SUV crossed the media, knocked down a street sign, and sped into the gas station parking lot, seemingly out of control.

Photos: Gas station fire

The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene on foot but was captured a short distance away by a Newport News School Resource Officer, who happened to be in the area.

"When I said, 'Stop!' that's when he broke into a light jog," said Officer James Greenhow, who chased Lauder down Elm Avenue. "He couldn't sprint because he was still confused about the crash."

Lauder told Greenhow he blacked out and only came to when he hit the pump. Officers said he did not smell like alcohol, but was obviously disoriented.

Lauder, of Hampton, was wanted for outstanding warrants for traffic violations. Lauder faces new charges for Tuesday's incident, including reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident and two counts of destruction of property.

Shell employee Debra Jarvis said her life flashed before her eyes.

"I want to be cremated, but I don't want to be cremated alive!" she joked after the smoke cleared.