What started as a routine traffic stop in Cayuga County quickly turned into a dangerous situation early Friday morning when a fire suddenly broke out inside a vehicle.
According to New York State Police, troopers pulled over a car around 1:30 a.m. on Ryan Road in the Town of Brutus after spotting it driving on the wrong side of the road near a blind hill.
While troopers were investigating the stop, they say a backseat passenger, identified as 56-year-old Douglas Wilson of Port Byron, began acting suspiciously and refused commands to show his hands. Moments later, flames erupted in the rear of the vehicle.
Troopers quickly removed everyone from the car and managed to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher before it could spread further. The Weedsport Fire Department also responded to the scene.
Police say the investigation revealed Wilson allegedly ignited a substance inside the vehicle while in possession of suspected crack cocaine and a butane torch. About two grams of the suspected drug, along with a smoking device and torch lighter, were recovered.
Wilson now faces a list of charges, including arson, evidence tampering, drug possession, obstruction, and reckless endangerment.
No serious injuries were reported, and the case remains under investigation.
The charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
