KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. -- After discovering the Eugene man behind the wheel of the Toyota Camry had three felony warrants for his arrest, Trooper Travis Peterson moved to take him into custody -- only to have the driver take off down Highway 97.

The chase hit speeds up 80 mph -- until black smoke and flames started coming up from underneath the Toyota's hood.

"Speeds dramatically slowed to about 30 mph for about one mile," police said of the chase at that point.

State police shut down the road in both directions and took James Lee Emary, 39, of Eugene, Ore., into custody on suspicion of felony attempt to elude in a vehicle, plus warrants for failure to appear on burglary, possession of a controlled substance and other charges.

The fire engulfed the vehicle. Fire crews from Klamath County Fire District 1 and Kingsley Field put the fire out. The highway was closed about 20 minutes.