Driver who caused fiery crash into gas line was wanted by police on other charges

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A busy intersection reopened hours after a wild, early-morning crash in Gwinnett County.

Channel 2 Action News learned a driver crashed into a power pole and gas line during a chase with police.

"I've never seen (anything) like this before in my life," a gas station clerk, who only identified himself as Jimmy, told Channel 2's Lauren Pozen.

Jimmy works at a gas station across from where the crash happened. He shared the store’s surveillance video, which shows a car speeding down Grayson Highway. Then the car goes off the highway, crashes into a utility pole and hits a gas main. Instantly, flames shoot up to the sky.

“It was crazy. I never seen anything like that before, and that noise of the flame, you can hear it from here,” Jimmy said.

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The video shows a man running from the car. Lawrenceville police identified him as Nashawn Wiggins, 24.

Police said Wiggins took off after a traffic stop Friday morning and led officers on a chase at speeds reaching up to 60 mph.

Officers quickly arrested Wiggins. In his mug shot, he has a minor injury to his face from the crash.

It took fire crews nearly six hours to get the fire under control.

People who live and work in the area didn't have power for hours, including the gas station across the street.

“We lost pretty good business because usually in the morning time, we have people going to work, school, dropping off their kids,” Jimmy said.

Wiggins faces a handful of charges, including reckless driving and not stopping for police officers

Cox Media Group