Sheriff's Cars Catch Fire After Getting Stuck in Ice Plant

Two Contra Costa County sheriff's patrol cars got stuck in ice plant and caught fire in Berkeley during a chase Monday morning, a sheriff's spokesman said.
   
The chase began around 3:45 a.m. when a suspicious black Lexus was  spotted near Olinda and Castro Ranch roads in El Sobrante, sheriff's spokesman Jimmy Lee said.
   
A deputy attempted to stop the car, but the driver sped off,  heading onto Valley View Road, then Appian Way and San Pablo Dam Road before getting onto westbound Interstate Highway 80, Lee said.
   
The driver eventually exited at Ashby Avenue in Berkeley, then  drove into some ice plant and dry grass along the highway.
   
The suspect was able to make it back onto the freeway, but two  patrol cars involved in the pursuit got stuck in the ice plant, stalled and  caught fire.
   
The deputies got out of the cars safely, and no injuries were  reported.
   
The suspect was able to elude authorities, Lee said.