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2 dogs killed after van crashes, house explodes
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2 dogs killed after van crashes, house explodes

BEL AIR, Md. (WBAL) – A driver is facing charges after he allegedly crashed into a home in Bel Air, Md. Wednesday night, starting a fire and killing two dogs.

The house’s gas line was already on fire when a next-door neighbor came out.

“I just heard a loud boom. I knew it was a car,” the unnamed neighbor said. “I just flew in from here in my robe to see what happened. I came here and saw this van crash into my dear neighbor’s house.”

The driver of the city patrol truck was still in the vehicle.

“I just yelled at him, ‘Can you get out?’ said the neighbor. “He opened the door and came out and said, ‘What just happened?’ and then he left.”

The crash happened just after 8 p.m. Wednesday along Woodhome Drive in Bel Air.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office said they used vital resources to search for the driver.

“We received reports from witnesses that the driver fled the scene, so we immediately deployed our drone team, along with area deputies on foot and canines and everybody to try and look for the suspect,” Maj. Eric Gonzalez with the sheriff’s office. said.

Police said Joseph Pollard, 27, turned himself in seven hours later.

Authorities said he told them he “got away” in the moments leading up to the wreck captured on the doorbell video.

The vehicle then struck a gas line, causing a massive gas-fueled fire.

Neighbors initially had to be evacuated. At one point, there was a partial collapse.

Officials said the homeowner was not inside at the time of the incident, but her two dogs were killed.

Neighbors said the owner lost everything.

“Prayers for my neighbor… That would be the biggest thing,” said the unnamed neighbor.

The suspect faces a number of traffic charges, including reckless driving.