A New Hampshire man is facing a stack of charges after police say he stole a fire department vehicle while crews were fighting a blaze that destroyed his own home.
Firefighters arrived at the Dalton house shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday and found the structure heavily involved. While multiple departments worked at the scene, New Hampshire State Police allege that 30-year-old Nestor Roman II entered a Whitefield Fire and Rescue vehicle and drove away.
Investigators say the vehicle struck another fire truck, crossed active hoses and narrowly missed three firefighters before hitting a fence. A resident several miles away then reported that a fire truck had crashed onto the property and that a man was trying to enter the home.
Troopers arrested Roman after a struggle. State police said he faced allegations including reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, felony theft, burglary, criminal mischief and resisting arrest. The charges are accusations and have not been proven in court.
No injuries were reported, despite firefighters being placed directly in the truck's path. The state fire marshal is investigating what caused the original house fire—which somehow became only the first emergency of the morning.
Facts first. Side-eye included.
DJF separates what is confirmed from what is claimed—and tells you why this particular mess is worth your time.