New Hampshire Man Steals Fire Truck While His Own House Burns

Clear Facts

• Nestor Roman II, 30, allegedly stole a rescue truck from firefighters responding to his burning Dalton home at 5 a.m. Tuesday
• Roman allegedly drove the stolen vehicle over active fire hoses, crashed into a fire engine, and nearly struck multiple firefighters before fleeing
• He was apprehended miles away and faces three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon plus numerous other charges

A New Hampshire man whose home was engulfed in flames allegedly hijacked a rescue truck from the very firefighters trying to save his property, then embarked on a destructive rampage that nearly killed three first responders.

Nestor Roman II, 30, of Dalton, faces multiple felony charges after the bizarre Tuesday morning incident. According to New Hampshire State Police, troopers responding around 3:50 a.m. to assist with a house fire quickly learned that a Whitefield Fire & Rescue vehicle had been stolen from the scene.

Dalton Fire & Rescue reported that crews had been dispatched to a fully involved structure fire near Faraway Road and Mountain Road. Several neighboring departments had responded as mutual aid to battle the blaze.

As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames consuming his home, Roman allegedly climbed into Whitefield Fire & Rescue’s F550 rescue truck and drove away shortly before 5 a.m.

What happened next put multiple lives at risk. The department said Roman allegedly maneuvered 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 his way onto the road, according to the department. State police said he drove over multiple water supply lines while fleeing.

Dalton Fire & Rescue confirmed that two charged hoses actively being used to fight the fire were run over but were not damaged. The theft and escape, however, disrupted critical firefighting operations.

Roman’s alleged rampage continued down the road. Fire officials said he struck a firefighter’s personal vehicle and damaged neighboring property. State police reported that wooden fences at two separate properties were also destroyed.

The escape ended several miles away after a Dalton homeowner reported that the stolen rescue vehicle had crashed on their property. 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 without serious injury to officers.

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.

Despite sustaining significant damage during the incident, Whitefield’s E3 fire engine remained operational. Firefighters ultimately extinguished the flames at Roman’s home, though fire officials said the structure was a complete loss.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the original fire. No information has been released regarding what may have sparked the blaze or whether Roman is suspected in its origin.

“We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were physically injured despite the close call,” Dalton Fire & Rescue said in a statement.

The incident highlights the dangers first responders face, not only from fires themselves but from unpredictable human behavior at emergency scenes. The charges Roman faces reflect the serious threat his alleged actions posed to firefighters who were working to protect his property and the surrounding community.

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