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A New Hampshire man whose home was going up in flames allegedly stole a rescue truck from responding firefighters, then crashed into a fire engine, drove over active hoses and narrowly missed three firefighters before fleeing the scene, authorities said.
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.
According to New Hampshire State Police, troopers were responding around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday to assist Dalton Fire & Rescue with a house fire when they learned that a Whitefield Fire & Rescue vehicle had been stolen.
Dalton Fire & Rescue said crews had been dispatched to a fully involved structure fire near Faraway Road and Mountain Road, with several neighboring departments responding as mutual aid.
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.
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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.
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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.
