Nestor Roman II, 30, stole a Whitefield fire truck and drove through active emergency scenes while crews battled a structure fire, according to New Hampshire State Police and Dalton Fire & Rescue. The incident resulted in multiple felony charges, extensive property damage, and a near-miss involving three firefighters.
How the Fire Truck Theft Unfolded at the Scene
Emergency crews were actively working to extinguish a residential blaze when Roman entered a rescue truck and drove around another unit, designated as Engine 3, according to Dalton Fire & Rescue. The stolen vehicle nearly struck two firefighters and narrowly missed pinning a third firefighter between two large trucks.
As Roman forced the vehicle back onto the road, the truck collided with another appliance and a small pickup truck. Police allege that Roman drove directly over multiple water supply lines being used by firefighters to combat the blaze. Two charged fire hoses were run over during the escape but fortunately escaped damage, according to fire officials.
Property Damage and Apprehension Miles Away
Authorities stated that the stolen fire truck caused damage to a firefighter’s personal vehicle and impacted neighbouring properties, including wooden fences at two separate residential addresses. Despite the disruptions and mechanical impacts sustained during the incident, Whitefield’s Engine 3 remained operational. Crews successfully utilized the remaining equipment to finish fighting the fire.
The home itself was a complete loss, according to Dalton Fire & Rescue. Investigators from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office launched an examination into the cause of the blaze.
Did you know? Despite extensive damage to support vehicles and water lines during the chaotic escape, emergency responders kept primary pumping equipment operational to save surrounding areas from further risk.
The pursuit and incident ended several miles away from the original fire scene. A member of the public reported that the stolen fire truck had crashed on their property, and observed Roman attempting to steal items from a porch, according to state police. Responding police officers located Roman at the property. Officials stated that he was initially unco-operative before being taken into custody.
Criminal Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Roman faces a significant array of felony and misdemeanor charges following the incident, according to the New York Post. The charges include:
- Three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon
- One count of burglary
- Two counts of theft by unauthorised taking
- Misdemeanors including obstructing government administration, resisting arrest, conduct after an accident, and driving over a fire hose without consent
“We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were physically injured despite the close call,” Dalton Fire & Rescue stated in a public release regarding the hazards crews faced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stole the fire truck in New Hampshire?
Nestor Roman II, 30, was identified by New Hampshire State Police as the individual who stole the emergency vehicle.
What charges has Nestor Roman II been charged with?
He faces multiple felony charges, including reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary, and theft, alongside several misdemeanors.
Were any firefighters injured during the incident?
No firefighters suffered physical injuries, despite narrow misses by the moving vehicle and run-over supply lines, according to Dalton Fire & Rescue.
What happened to the house where the fire occurred?
The home was classified as a complete loss, and the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.
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