2 killed in car crash, fire at Travis Air Force Base entrance following police pursuit
Two fleeing Napa deputies killed in fiery crash at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield
A driver and passenger in a Mercedes fleeing from Napa County sheriffs deputies died when they crashed near the entrance of Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield.
FAIRFIELD, Calif. - Two people were killed in a crash and car fire at the entrance of Travis Air Force Base following a police pursuit that began overnight Tuesday in Napa County, authorities said.
Travis Air Force Base main gate closed due to crash
The main gate at Travis Air Force Base is closed Tuesday morning due to a traffic collision, authorities said.
Traffic stop leads to pursuit, crash and car fire
What we know:
The driver who was killed was identified as John Earl Newton III, 28, of West Sacramento. The passenger's name was not yet released.
Napa County sheriff's deputies made a traffic stop of a Mercedes just after midnight along Highway 12, east of Highway 29.
Authorities say the car, which had two occupants, then fled the scene, leading to a police pursuit into Solano County. KTVU has learned the Mercedes reached speeds of 120 mph.
Around 12:17 a.m., the suspects' car crashed and became engulfed in flames near the visitor center at Travis Air Force Base, the Napa County Sheriff's Department said.
Deputies tried to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful, authorities said.
The driver and passenger died at the scene.
Authorities have not said what prompted the original traffic stop.
The main gate at Travis Air Force Base was closed overnight and reopened mid-day.
Fairfield police are investigating the crash with the assistance of the CHP's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team.
The overall investigation is being led by the Solano County Major Crimes Task Force, which is supervised by the DA's office.
The Source: Fairfield Police Department, Napa County Sheriff's Department
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