A New Hampshire man is facing a slew of charges after allegedly stealing a rescue truck from firefighters who were already on the scene battling a blaze at his own home. The incident, which unfolded early Tuesday morning in Dalton, saw the suspect, Nestor Roman II, 30, accused of not only taking the vehicle but also crashing it, narrowly missing several first responders, and driving over active fire hoses before making his escape.
Dramatic Events Unfold During House Fire Response
The chaotic sequence of events began around 3:50 a.m. when New Hampshire State Police were dispatched to assist Dalton Fire & Rescue with a structure fire. While en route, troopers received word that a Whitefield Fire & Rescue vehicle had been stolen. Dalton Fire & Rescue had been called to a fully engulfed house fire on Faraway Road and Mountain Road, with multiple neighboring departments providing mutual aid.
As firefighters worked to contain the inferno, authorities allege that Roman, whose home was the one burning, managed to get into the Whitefield Fire & Rescue F550 rescue truck and drive off. The theft reportedly occurred shortly before 5 a.m., according to the fire department.
Reckless Escape Puts Responders in Peril
The stolen rescue truck’s alleged journey was far from uneventful. According to the fire department, Roman is accused of maneuvering the large vehicle around Whitefield’s E3 fire engine, coming dangerously close to two firefighters and nearly trapping a third between the two massive trucks. The department stated that Roman then allegedly collided with the E3 engine and a small pickup truck as he attempted to force his way onto the road.
Further compounding the danger, state police reported that Roman drove over multiple water supply lines that were actively being used to fight the fire. While two charged hoses were run over, fire officials confirmed they sustained no damage. The alleged reckless driving continued down the road, where Roman is also accused of striking a firefighter’s personal vehicle and damaging property belonging to neighbors, including wooden fences at two separate locations.
Capture and Charges
The pursuit concluded several miles away when a Dalton homeowner reported that the stolen rescue vehicle had crashed onto their property. The homeowner also alerted authorities that Roman appeared to be attempting to steal items from their porch. State police arrived shortly thereafter and found Roman on the porch. He was reportedly uncooperative but was eventually taken into custody without further incident.
Following his arrest, Nestor Roman II was charged with multiple offenses. These include three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary, and two counts of theft by unauthorized taking. He also faces several misdemeanor charges: obstructing government administration, four counts of conduct after an accident, resisting arrest and detention, driving after suspension (subsequent offense), and two counts of driving over a fire hose without consent, according to state police.
Fire Damage and Investigation
Despite the significant damage sustained by the E3 fire engine during the alleged incident, it was able to remain operational. Firefighters eventually managed to extinguish the blaze, though the house itself was declared a total loss. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the origin of the fire.
Dalton Fire & Rescue expressed profound gratitude that no firefighters were physically harmed during the ordeal. “We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were physically injured despite the close call,” the department stated. The incident highlights the immense risks faced by first responders, who must often contend with dangerous situations created by individuals while simultaneously working to save lives and property.
