Shocking moment fleeing motorcyclist is engulfed in fireball after police taser ignites petrol-filled backpack

31 October 2022, 11:26 | Updated: 31 October 2022, 12:04

The suspect can be seen bursting into flames as the taser is deployed
The suspect can be seen bursting into flames as the taser is deployed. Picture: Screenshot

By Danielle DeWolfe

Police have released dashcam footage of the moment a motorcyclist involved in a high-speed chase was engulfed in a fireball, after local law enforcement deployed a taser in an attempt to subdue him.

The fleeing motorcyclist, who was carrying a petrol-filled backpack at the time, can be seen bursting into flames as he attempts to escape from police in America.

The driver, named as Christopher Gaylor, 38, of Alexander, Arkansas, is expected to make a full recovery following the incident, despite currently remaining in hospital.

Arkansas Police claim to have halted Mr Gaylor’s motorbike as part of a routine traffic stop after no licence plate was visible.

Arkansas Police footage shows moment fleeing man carrying petrol in backpack gets engulfed by fireball

Read more: PM takes on 'woke' policing after telling cops to 'fight crime, not bad jokes on Twitter'

Read more: 'Innocent' delivery driver, 21, killed in Brixton shootout 'on last week of work before moving home'

The state troopers then engaged in a high-speed pursuit that saw the motorbike reach speeds in excess of 100 mph.

He can be seen driving into a residential neighbourhood, before the helmet-clad motorcyclist attempts to flee on foot.

With the driver and two officers out of shot for a few seconds, the two troopers can be seen chasing the suspect into shot before deploying the laser.

Despite being engulfed in flames, Mr Gaylor remains on his feet and can be seen staggering a handful of metres, a trail of flaming undergrowth in his wake.

The fleeing motorcyclist can be seen attempting to escape on foot.
The fleeing motorcyclist can be seen attempting to escape on foot. Picture: screenshot

Attempting to put out the flames by rolling along the floor, state troopers can then be seen attempting to extinguish the blazing figure before providing medical care to Gaylor.

Following his near-death experience, Mr Gaylor now faces a slew of charges, including felony fleeing, failure to register a vehicle, no liability insurance, driving with a suspended licence and reckless driving.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

Riot police vans at Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena, as people take part in a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town.

Six arrested and 32 officers injured in Ballymena after second night of unrest left locals 'fearing for their lives'

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82

England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

'I'm in the right place': Thomas Tuchel wants to extend England head coach job until Euro 2028

The Lower Broughton Road in Salford.

Rioting erupts and 16-year-old girl arrested in Salford as ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police and 'set fire to car'

Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu following their doubles match defeat to Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe on day three of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London

Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter beaten in the doubles at Queens

In the latest development in the family's ongoing feud, the 26-year-old has reportedly quashed any attempts from the superstar couple to make up

Brooklyn Beckham 'cuts contact' with parents David and Victoria amid family rift over wife Nicola Peltz

Whitehall is on lockdown as police are investigating a 'suspicious vehicle' abandoned near Downing Street.

Whitehall on lockdown as police investigate 'abandoned vehicle near Downing Street'

Khaby Lame attends the 2025 Met Gala

World's most-followed Tik-Tok star leaves United States after being detained by ICE

David Moyes (pictured with OBE) has revealed he learnt of his OBE while watching his grandson's nativity play

Everton manager David Moyes learned of OBE at grandson's nativity play

A Tesla dealership is vandalised with pink paint in Montreal, Canada, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

French drivers sue Tesla claiming Musk turned cars into ‘extreme-Right’ symbol

21-year-old Arthur A. lived near Graz and was a former student at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse high school, where the attack took place

Austrian school shooter pictured for first time as it's revealed he 'begged mum for forgiveness' in chilling video