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Black 2018 Ford F-150 Crashes into Burbank Home, Ignites Blaze at Oakwood Drive

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. burbank-home-ignites-blaze-at-oakwood-drive.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 9:20 GMT by CBS News

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Driver Fleeing After Burbank House Crash: A Detailed Overview

On the night of November 27, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded on a quiet suburban street in Burbank, California, when a vehicle struck a residential home, igniting a blaze that left the family inside in a state of shock and the local police scrambling for answers. The driver—later identified by police as Michael Roberts, 32—was caught on surveillance footage speeding down Oakwood Drive, careening through a parked vehicle and into a single‑story Tudor‑style house. The impact triggered a flash fire that ripped through the kitchen and collapsed a portion of the roof.

The Burbank Police Department’s (BPD) preliminary statement—posted on the city’s official website and linked in the CBS News piece—provides the foundational facts: the collision occurred at approximately 10:35 p.m., the vehicle was a black 2018 Ford F‑150, and the house was occupied by four occupants. The fire department, which responded within three minutes, was forced to bring in a mobile command unit and hazmat crew due to the rapid spread of flames. Two residents sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation, while the third—an 8‑year‑old child—was rushed to Loyola Marymount Hospital for evaluation of possible burns, though the child was later declared non‑severely harmed.

Police Response and Suspect Search

Within minutes of the crash, the BPD released a statement that the driver fled the scene in the vehicle, traveling west on Main Street at speeds in excess of 60 mph. By the time the police intercepted him—at a police checkpoint on San Fernando Boulevard—the driver had already left the city limits, heading toward Cerritos. An officer noted that the vehicle’s license plate was not visible due to damage inflicted by the crash, but a driver’s license photo posted on the BPD’s online incident report shows a dark‑haired, 6‑foot‑tall male with a scar above his right eyebrow. The suspect is now a person of interest, and the BPD is actively working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) to locate him. The BPD has requested the public’s assistance, urging anyone who might have seen the suspect or his vehicle to come forward.

Property Damage and Aftermath

According to the Burbank Fire Department’s incident log, the estimated property damage exceeds $350,000. The house suffered extensive damage to its copper‑roofed exterior, wooden beams, and kitchen cabinets. The Burbank Housing Authority—linked in the article—has indicated that the family may be eligible for a temporary housing voucher pending the final assessment of the house’s structural integrity.

Witnesses and Community Reactions

A key source in the CBS News report is Mary Thompson, a neighbor who watched the crash from a third‑floor balcony. She stated that the vehicle “was heading straight toward the house, and there was no time to stop.” Thompson also mentioned that she noticed the driver’s license plate number—which turned out to be “T23‑XW9”—but was unable to see the driver’s face. The city’s Mayor, Dan O’Connor, addressed the incident in a brief statement, calling the event “a devastating reminder of the importance of road safety and community vigilance.”

Historical Context and Prior Incidents

The CBS article also references the BPD’s own archival footage, linking to a 2015 Burbank traffic collision that similarly involved a vehicle entering a residential area and causing a fire. The link to the BPD’s “Traffic Incident Archive” provides statistical context: over the last decade, Burbank has recorded 28 vehicle‑to‑home collisions, with 15 leading to fire damage. The article cites a statement from the BPD’s chief, Officer Maria Delgado, who noted that “while most of these incidents result from high speeds or loss of control, a few are intentional, which is a concern for law‑enforcement efforts.”

Legal and Regulatory Implications

The BPD’s report references California’s Vehicle Code § 21200, which addresses “unlawful obstruction” and the criminal liability of drivers who cause property damage through reckless or negligent conduct. The article links to a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page on “Reckless Driving Penalties” which indicates that a first‑offender can face a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, and a suspended license for a minimum of three years. However, the BPD’s statement also indicates that if the suspect is proven to have intentionally caused the crash, the charge could be escalated to malicious injury under California Penal Code § 187, carrying potentially 10–20 years in state prison.

What to Expect Next

The CBS article outlines the immediate next steps: the BPD will be conducting an arrest warrant for Roberts, pending a criminal background check. The Burbank Fire Department’s chief of Fire Safety, Tom Kline, is overseeing the structural assessment of the damaged house. In addition, the article cites a community outreach initiative spearheaded by the Burbank Police Department to address the high‑speed traffic on Oakwood Drive. A link to the city’s Traffic Safety Improvement Plan shows that the city is planning to install speed‑radar devices and traffic calming measures—including speed‑bump zones and additional signage—to prevent similar incidents.

In Summary

The driver’s rapid exit from the scene and the resulting property damage have left the Burbank community in a state of disquiet. The suspect’s identity, coupled with the BPD’s vigorous search efforts, indicates a strong commitment to accountability. Meanwhile, the city’s proactive steps to mitigate high‑speed traffic and the support offered to the affected family underscore the importance of community resilience and law‑enforcement collaboration.

As the investigation unfolds, residents and readers alike will be closely monitoring the BPD’s updates, the legal proceedings that may follow, and the ongoing assessment of the damaged property. The Burbank Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Burbank Fire Department remain engaged, pledging to bring closure to a traumatic night that will undoubtedly shape traffic safety conversations across the region.