ATLANTA -- A driver can thank an Atlanta police officer who chased him for saving his life.

According to police, the officer began the chase after the driver almost hit another officer on Elbert Street.

A few minutes later, the driver’s car smashed into the back of a tractor-trailer, and caught fire.

The officer pulled the man out. There was no immediate word on the man’s condition.

Investigators said the officer also found a handgun inside the charred car.