A 25-year-old Waipahu man escaped from a burning car only to be arrested early this morning in Waikele.

A police officer saw the man driving recklessly shortly before the car hit a light pole and caught fire.

The suspect, identified as Kristopher Kresge, was able to make it out of the car under his own power. However, he was arrested when the officer learned that the car had been reported stolen Saturday evening.

Paramedics took him to the hospital in serious condition about 12:23 a.m. from the crash site at Lumiauau Street and Hopoe Place.

Police later charged Kresge with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. Kresge’s aggregate bail was set at $20,000.