A New Hampshire man whose home was engulfed in flames is accused of stealing a rescue truck from firefighters at the scene, striking emergency vehicles, driving over active fire hoses and nearly hitting three firefighters before escaping, authorities said.
Nestor Roman II, 30, of Dalton, is facing multiple charges after investigators said he took the rescue vehicle and later crashed several 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 house fire when they were told a Whitefield Fire & Rescue vehicle had been stolen.
Dalton Fire & Rescue said crews had responded to a fully involved structure fire in the area of Faraway Road and Mountain Road, with mutual aid departments from nearby communities also called in to assist.
While crews worked to control the fire, Roman allegedly climbed into Whitefield Fire & Rescue’s F550 rescue truck and drove off shortly before 5 a.m., the department said.
According to the department, Roman allegedly maneuvered the stolen truck around Whitefield’s E3 fire engine, coming dangerously close to two firefighters and narrowly missing a third who could have been trapped between the two large emergency vehicles.
Officials said Roman then allegedly hit the E3 fire engine and a small pickup truck while “forcing their way onto the road ahead,” according to the fire department.
State police said Roman drove over several water supply lines as he fled. Dalton Fire & Rescue said two charged hoses actively being used in the firefighting effort were run over, though they 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.
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.
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.
