Stolen car bursts into flames after crashing into home in Lorton sparking fire

LORTON, Va. - Authorities have taken a suspect into custody after a stolen car plowed into a home in Fairfax County early Thursday morning.

Anthony Doublet, 32, was arrested by officers from the Fairfax County Police Department for trespassing, auto theft, and hit-and-run. 

The crash was reported around 5:30 a.m. on Whitehaven Court in the area of Cumbria Valley Drive and Derwent Valley Court in Lorton. 

Police said Doublet drove his 2020 BMW X3 off the road and across the lawn where it struck a power box before smashing into the home. The car burst into flames after the collision and ignited a fire inside the house. Home video shows flames engulfing the BMW and spreading to the home. 

FOX 5's Bob Barnard said a neighbor who was walking his dog alerted police to a person who appeared to be trying to break into vehicles. Police were nearby when this stolen car, a BMW, sped down the street and into the home. 

Firefighters were quickly able to place the fire under control. No injuries were reported to anyone inside the home. It is unclear if the driver was injured.

Police say K9 officers tracked Doublet to nearby woods as he was attempting to hide. He was taken into custody. Investigators determined he stole the BMW, crashed the car, and ran. 

Barnard spoke with Kevin Valdez, owner of the stolen car. 

"It hurts. It hurts. You know, because you don't want nobody to take anything," he said. Valdez is unclear how the car thief was able to access his vehicle and start the ignition. 

Several power outages were reported in the area following the crash, but they have since been restored.

Doublet is being held without bond. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.