Norman Police Officer Survives Fiery Crash After High-Speed Chase

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma --  A Norman police officer who survived a fiery crash during a high-speed chase is at home and recovering, according to his supervisors.

The 5-year veteran of the force was chasing a stolen vehicle on I-35 Saturday morning when he lost control of his cruiser and rolled it near Highway 9.

The officer, whose name is not being publicly released at this time, managed to crawl out of the car as it burst into flames. A miraculous escape his boss said was all thanks to his seatbelt.

"When a vehicle overturns you always run the risk of...If you're not wearing your seatbelt... Getting ejected. And ejection is never good," said Norman police Capt. Tom Easley.

The suspect, 33-year old Ryan Roy Bennett of Flint, Texas, was arrested by Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers after he crashed the stolen Yukon on I-35 down in Murray County. 

Bennett faces charges related to stealing a motor vehicle and attempting to run from the law.

Police said the owner of the stolen vehicle admitted to leaving it parked overnight with the doors unlocked and the keys inside.

More: Norman Police Officer's Vehicle Crashes, Bursts into Flames During Pursuit