
Jay Leno, 72, crashes into a police car on his way back to the stage
Jay Leno, 72, hit a police car on the way back to Hermosa Beach … two weeks after the accident, his face, chest and arms were badly burned
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Jay Leno was caught in a police car as he arrived for his sensational comeback on Sunday – six days after being released from a burn center following a crash that left him with severe burns to his face, chest and hands.

The 72-year-old comedian was pulling up to The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, Calif., with wife Mavis for his usual night out when the rear right tire of his Tesla collided with a police jeep in front of a crowd of onlookers.

After hearing an ominous crash, the cops could be seen turning around in surprise as the TV legend pulled up outside the club.

The star was filmed checking with police to see if he had ‘punched their tyre’ and officers said it was ‘no big deal’, with none of the cars damaged.

The police car remained intact.

Jay, who suffered severe burns after being set alight by an explosion in one of his vintage cars, looked happy and healthy as he addressed the press, quipping: “Ah, the elephant man here.”

He added: “I’m not on stage yet, I’ve just arrived. We’ll give it a try, see what happens…Stay away from the Flamin’ Hot Doritos!’

“No, we have two shows today. Plain and super crispy! Never considered myself a hot comedian! Thank you, thank you, good night. I got burned, I was in the hospital for a few days, and now I’m back at work. People do it every day!”

Since the early 1990s, the place has served as Leno’s home base almost every Sunday, where he could try out new material for his stand-up and old Tonight Show monologues.

The club’s location on the beach has long been a favorite spot for comedians and audiences. Many of the best comics in the industry, like Leno, have called and continue to call this their home club. Pictured: Lena’s Tesla was parked in front of the club after the incident.

Club staff made a “Welcome Jay” sign that also read “We love you.”

A group of media and fans gathered outside the club as he pulled up.

Once inside, Lena and his wife (pictured) joined the club owner, who sat with them for part of the evening.

Since he arrived, the New Rochelle, N.Y., native has appeared to be in good spirits and happy, and the burns on his hands and face appear to be healing.

He then took to the stage and let loose a series of jokes, mostly poking fun at himself, while keeping the accident under review.

The accident happened on Nov. 12 while Leno was working on one of the many vintage cars he owns and keeps in his Burbank garage.

As he broke free, a gas leak caused an explosion that ignited. Smeshnik was rushed to the hospital with second and third degree burns on his face, chest and hands.

He was eventually transferred to the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles, where he had to undergo treatment for 10 days, which included two surgical procedures to treat the injuries, according to his physician, Dr. Peter Grossman.

The former Tonight Show host was seen for the first time since the accident last Monday as he said goodbye to a team of doctors, nurses and other professionals at the Grossman Burn Center.

In an interview with ET, Dr. Grossman said that Leno suffered “significant injuries” but is “doing very well,” apparently helped by the fact that he was a “strong person” with a “strong attitude.”

Leno is scheduled to perform three more shows at The Comedy & Magic Club in December.

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