Residents Startled After Witnessing Fiery Car Crash Feet Away From Apartment Complex

Residents of a West side apartment complex are safe but startled after a fiery car crash that happened feet away from their building next to a curbside parking area.

Police say a drunk driver crashed into five cars parked properly next to the sidewalk. Moments later, her own BMW burst into flames. According to police, the driver escaped from the burning car unharmed. She took off on foot but later returned to the scene.

ABC-7 was the only media there around 2 am Saturday when fire crews put out the flames at the Ryan’s Crossing apartment complex. Shocked neighbors who heard the commotion came out of their homes to see what was going on. Jaime Miranda was one of them. “It sounded like a train wreck,” he said. “We just came out to see what it was and we saw the white car. It was starting to catch on flames.”

Police identified the driver as 45 year old Pam Sereles. She was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

Some of the damaged cars’ owners told ABC-7 they never considered that parking area unsafe, despite the fact they’ve seen drivers speeding down South Mesa Hills Drive before. Resident Esteban Cordero’s car was not hit, but he said he’ll probably think twice before parking at the curb again. “After this, I don’t feel very comfortable with that,” he said.