A New Hampshire man whose home was engulfed in flames allegedly stole a rescue truck from responding firefighters, then crashed into a fire engine and narrowly missed three firefighters before fleeing the scene, authorities said.
According to the New Hampshire State Police, Nestor Roman II, 30, of Dalton, faces multiple charges after authorities said he stole the rescue vehicle and later crashed several miles from his burning home. The incident occurred around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday when troopers were responding to assist Dalton Fire & Rescue with a house fire.
As firefighters battled the blaze, Roman allegedly got into Whitefield Fire & Rescue's F550 rescue truck and drove away shortly before 5 a.m., according to the fire department. 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, and damaged neighboring property, including two wooden fences at separate properties.
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, who was uncooperative but ultimately taken into custody.
Roman was charged with multiple counts, including three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary, and two counts of theft by unauthorized taking. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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