Texas officer saves driver from burning car in dramatic video
Southlake Police Corporal Joshua Swisher is being praised as a hero after rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle in Texas. Intense dashcam footage captured Swisher dragging the man away just seconds before flames overtook the car. The officer later described relying on his training in the high-pressure moment, saying he was grateful the rescue ended safely — and touched that his children were proud to see him on television.
In New Hampshire, authorities say a man whose own home was on fire took a responding fire department rescue truck, slammed into a fire engine, drove across active fire hoses and came dangerously close to striking three firefighters before leaving the scene.
Nestor Roman II, 30, of Dalton, is facing several charges after investigators said he drove off in the emergency vehicle and eventually crashed miles away from the burning property.
New Hampshire State Police said troopers were called around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday to help Dalton Fire & Rescue at a residential fire when they were informed that a Whitefield Fire & Rescue truck had been taken.
Fire crews were working to control a heavily involved house fire in Dalton, New Hampshire, when officials say the homeowner stole a rescue vehicle and fled. (New Hampshire State Police; Whitefield Firefighters Association)
Dalton Fire & Rescue said firefighters had responded to a fully engulfed structure fire in the area of Faraway Road and Mountain Road, with multiple nearby departments called in to provide mutual aid.
While crews were fighting the flames, Roman allegedly climbed into Whitefield Fire & Rescue’s F550 rescue truck and drove away shortly before 5 a.m., the department said.
Fire officials said the Dalton residence was a “complete loss,” and the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating what sparked the fire. (Dalton Fire & Rescue)
The department said Roman allegedly drove around Whitefield’s E3 fire engine, nearly striking two firefighters and narrowly missing a third who could have been pinned between the two large trucks.
Roman then allegedly crashed into the E3 and a small pickup while “forcing their way onto the road ahead,” according to the department.
State police said Roman drove over multiple water supply lines while fleeing. Dalton Fire & Rescue said two charged hoses being used to fight the fire were run over but were not damaged.
Roman also allegedly struck a firefighter’s personal vehicle farther down the road and damaged neighboring property, according to fire officials. State police said wooden fences at two separate properties were also damaged.
Nestor Roman II, 30, faces multiple charges after authorities accused him of stealing a rescue truck from firefighters responding to a blaze at his home. (New Hampshire State Police)
The escape came to an end several miles away after a Dalton homeowner reported that the stolen rescue vehicle had crashed on their property, according to state police.
The homeowner also reported that Roman was allegedly attempting to take items from the porch.
Troopers arrived moments later and found Roman on the porch. Police said he was uncooperative but was ultimately taken into custody.
Roman was charged with three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary and two counts of theft by unauthorized taking.
He also faces misdemeanor charges of obstructing government administration, four counts of conduct after an accident, resisting arrest and detention, driving after suspension subsequent and two counts of driving over a fire hose without consent, according to state police.
Despite sustaining significant damage, Whitefield’s E3 was able to remain in operation, and firefighters ultimately extinguished the flames.
Multiple fire departments responded to a house fire in Dalton, New Hampshire, that took a chaotic turn when the homeowner allegedly stole a rescue vehicle. (Dalton Fire & Rescue)
Fire officials said the house was a “complete loss.”
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
“We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were physically injured despite the close call,” Dalton Fire & Rescue said in a statement.
