The westbound lanes of Interstate 20 were briefly shut down Nov. 23 while fire department personnel extinguished the flames of a stolen vehicle, according to a Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) press release.

NCSO deputies responded to a Covington Police Department (CPD) lookout for a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was described as a tan, 90’s model Honda Accord.

Deputies made contact with the vehicle in the area of Jack Neely Road and Bermuda Run. When deputies attempted to make contact with the vehicle, it failed to stop and increased its speed to approximately 79 mph. While westbound on Interstate 20, the vehicle caught fire. The three juvenile occupants then pulled to the side of the interstate and surrendered to law enforcement without incident.

The westbound lanes of Interstate 20 were shut down for approximately 20 minutes while the fire was extinguished. NCSO is investigating the theft of the vehicle.

There were no injuries or property damage, other than the damage to the stolen vehicle.