Captured on dashcam: Retail shoplifter takes off from police, smashes into vehicle during chase

BROWN DEER -- A shoplifter in Brown Deer gives chase, crashes into an unsuspecting car, and that car bursts into flames. Thursday night's scenario was all captured on police dashcam.

At the Brown Deer Police Department, authorities are developing leads on who they are still looking for. And, it's amazing that a driver was able to get out of a burning car before something worse happened.

The shoplifter's car was spotted shortly after a theft at the Burlington Coat Factory located at 9040 N Green Bay Road. Police gave chase, but shortly after the squad lost sight of the fleeing car, the officer ran across a fiery scene.

At Sherman and Teutonia, the fleeing shoplifter had run a red light and smashed into an unsuspecting car -- the innocent victim still inside as the car burst into flames.

Car fire near Sherman and Teutonia

At Sherman and Teutonia, the fleeing shoplifter had run a red light and smashed into an unsuspecting car -- the innocent victim still inside as the car burst into flames.

"I screamed for him to get over out the car trying to wake him up because he was dazed a little. When he finally came to, he ran out of the car and rolled over," said Dorelle Cannon, witnesses crash.

Another squad arrived and took care of the victim. The fleeing car kept going as if nothing happened, but not for long as the car was apparently damaged in the crash.

Driveway of retired sheriff's deputy

Police say the driver pulled into a driveway, leaking fluid, and bailed on foot -- taking with her shopping bags full of goods.

The driveway the suspect picked, happened to belong to a retired sheriff's deputy who flagged down police.

Meanwhile, back at Teutonia and Sherman, an innocent victim's car kept burning. In the end it will be a total loss. The man who drove it, is okay.

Police did tow the fleeing car and are working to make an arrest.

It's clear what started as a shoplifting crime, turned into a whole lot more.