Investigators point to an underground electrical issue as the likely cause of the fire.
The man was instructed to leave the northbound 6 subway train by police just after 2:15 a.m. in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx.
The driver fled westbound in the grey Mercedes on Quentin Road.
Putnam County Sheriff's Office members were investigating when the suspect's vehicle attempted to flee the scene and hit a deputy.
Officer Sharjeel Worris, 25, was shot with birdshot pellets from a shotgun. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.
Officer Michael Hyland left Stony Brook University Hospital Thursday after spending 29 days in the ICU, surrounded by his supporters, and his trauma surgeon, who called his recovery nothing short of remarkable.