A New Hampshire man whose Dalton home was engulfed in flames allegedly stole a rescue truck from firefighters battling the fire early Tuesday. Authorities said the vehicle nearly struck several firefighters, ran over active hoses and collided with other vehicles before the man fled. Nestor Roman II, 30, was later arrested several miles away and faces felony and misdemeanor charges. The home was declared a complete loss, while no firefighters were physically injured.
Multiple fire departments were assisting Dalton Fire & Rescue at the fully involved structure fire near Faraway Road and Mountain Road when the incident unfolded. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, separately from the criminal case involving the stolen vehicle.
| 1) | Firefighters respond to a fully involved Dalton home |
| 2) | Rescue truck allegedly taken during the emergency response |
| 3) | Vehicle strikes and hose damage create a dangerous escape |
| 4) | Police locate and arrest the alleged driver |
| 5) | Charges filed as fire and property investigations continue |
Firefighters respond to a fully involved Dalton home
Dalton Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a fully involved house fire near Faraway Road and Mountain Road in Dalton, New Hampshire, during the early morning hours of Tuesday. Neighboring departments responded as mutual aid while firefighters worked to contain the blaze and protect nearby property.
New Hampshire State Police said troopers were responding at about 3:50 a.m. to assist with the emergency. Fire officials later said the residence was a complete loss. The state fire marshal’s office is investigating what caused the fire, and authorities have not announced a cause.
Rescue truck allegedly taken during the emergency response
According to Whitefield Fire & Rescue and state police, Roman allegedly entered a Whitefield Fire & Rescue F550 rescue truck and drove away shortly before 5 a.m. The vehicle had been brought to the scene as departments coordinated their response to the burning home.
Authorities allege that Roman, who lived at the home, took the truck while firefighters were actively battling the fire. The circumstances surrounding his decision to take the vehicle were not detailed in the available information, but the incident immediately created an additional hazard at an already dangerous emergency scene.
Vehicle strikes and hose damage create a dangerous escape
Fire officials said Roman drove around Whitefield’s E3 fire engine after taking the rescue truck. The maneuver allegedly brought the vehicle close to three firefighters, nearly striking two and narrowly missing a third who could have been pinned between the large emergency vehicles.
The rescue truck then allegedly collided with the E3 and a small pickup while forcing its way onto the road. State police said Roman drove over multiple water supply lines as he fled. Dalton Fire & Rescue reported that two charged hoses were run over but were not damaged. Officials also said a firefighter’s personal vehicle was struck farther down the road, and wooden fences at two properties were damaged.
“We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were physically injured despite the close call,” Dalton Fire & Rescue said in a statement.
Police locate and arrest the alleged driver
The escape ended several miles from the fire after a Dalton homeowner reported that the stolen rescue vehicle had crashed on the homeowner’s property. The resident also reported that Roman was allegedly trying to take items from a porch.
Troopers arrived moments later and found Roman on the porch, according to state police. Authorities said he was uncooperative but was ultimately taken into custody. The damaged Whitefield E3 fire engine remained operational, allowing firefighters to continue their work at the original scene.
Charges filed as fire and property investigations continue
Nestor Roman II faces three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, along with burglary and two counts of theft by unauthorized taking. State police also listed 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.
The criminal allegations concern the reported theft, driving conduct, collisions and attempted taking of property after the crash. Separately, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is examining the origin and cause of the Dalton house fire. Officials said the residence was destroyed, while the responding departments avoided reported physical injuries.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A fully involved house fire was reported in Dalton early Tuesday. |
| 2 | Roman allegedly took a Whitefield Fire & Rescue F550 rescue truck. |
| 3 | The truck allegedly struck vehicles, damaged property and ran over fire hoses. |
| 4 | Police arrested Roman after the vehicle crashed several miles from the fire. |
| 5 | The home was a complete loss, and the fire’s cause remains under investigation. |
Summary
Authorities allege that a Dalton homeowner turned an active house fire into a wider public safety incident by taking a rescue truck from responding departments. The reported driving path put firefighters, vehicles, hoses and neighboring property at risk before the truck crashed and Roman was arrested. He faces multiple charges, while investigators continue examining the fire that destroyed the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Dalton house fire?
Firefighters from Dalton and neighboring departments were battling a fully involved house fire when Roman allegedly took a Whitefield Fire & Rescue rescue truck and drove away.
Were any firefighters injured?
Officials said no firefighters were physically injured, although the truck allegedly came close to several firefighters and ran over active water supply lines.
What charges does Roman face?
Roman faces three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary, two counts of theft by unauthorized taking and several misdemeanor charges, according to state police.
What is being investigated?
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the house fire. State police and other authorities are handling the allegations related to the stolen rescue truck, collisions and property damage.