US News
New Hampshire man faces felony charges after allegedly stealing rescue truck during home fire
Authorities say Nestor Roman II drove over active hoses and nearly struck firefighters before crashing the stolen emergency vehicle several miles away.
The short version
- Nestor Roman II, 30, was arrested after allegedly stealing a Whitefield Fire & Rescue F550 rescue truck while crews were fighting a blaze at his Dalton, New Hampshire, home.
- During the getaway, Roman allegedly drove over active fire hoses, crashed into emergency vehicles, and nearly struck three firefighters.
- Roman was taken into custody several miles away on felony charges including reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary, and theft.
- No firefighters were physically injured, but the residence was declared a total loss and the origin of the fire remains under investigation.
Key facts
- Authorities responded to a fully involved house fire in Dalton, New Hampshire, around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday before learning a rescue truck had been stolen around 5 a.m.[Fox News]
- Nestor Roman II allegedly drove a stolen Whitefield Fire & Rescue F550 over active supply hoses and nearly struck three firefighters, missing one who was at risk of being pinned between trucks.[Fox News]
- During his escape, Roman allegedly struck a fire engine, a pickup truck, a firefighter's personal vehicle, and wooden fences at two separate properties.[Fox News]
- State troopers arrested Roman on a nearby porch after a homeowner reported the rescue truck had crashed on their property and that Roman was trying to take items.[Fox News]
- Roman faces felony charges of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary, and theft, alongside multiple misdemeanor counts including resisting arrest and driving over a fire hose without consent.[Fox News]
- No firefighters sustained physical injuries, but the house was described by officials as a complete loss.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The cause of the house fire has not yet been determined and is under investigation by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office.[Fox News]