DUI driver appears to take selfie in front of burning SUV on highway before arrest

EVERETT, Wash. (KOMO) — A man was arrested and charged with DUI after the vehicle he was driving erupted into flames early Friday morning on I-5, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

Washington State Department of Transportation traffic cameras captured a burning RAV4 on the shoulder of I-5 in Everett near 73rd Street Eastjust before 2 a.m. Friday.

PHOTOS | Man appears to take selfie in front burning SUV

Moments before crews arrived to extinguish the fire, the man appeared to stumble out to the far right lane, hold up a phone, and snap a selfie with the fire raging in the background. Video also shows the man opening one of the car doors while the vehicle is on fire.

The driver was arrested at the scene for suspicion of driving under the influence and resisting arrest, according to WSP Trooper Wyatt Pearson. Troopers later found drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The SUV was towed after firefighters put out the flames, and Pearson said nobody was injured.

Pearson said the driver was booked into jail and later charged with DUI, resisting arrest, drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs, or both," the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)wrote on its website. "This applies to both legal and illegal drugs, including prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs."

A driver convicted of DUI in court may have their license suspended for 90 days up to four years, according to the DOL.

Authorities are investigating how the fire began.