Full Breakdown
Dalton, N.H. Man Charged After Allegedly Stealing Fire-Rescue Truck Amid Home Fire
8/28/2026, 9:19:51 PM
Core Incident
In the early hours of Tuesday, a house fire erupted on Faraway Road in Dalton, New Hampshire. Fire crews from Dalton Fire & Rescue, Whitefield Fire & Rescue and neighboring departments arrived before sunrise to confront a fully involved structure. According to New Hampshire State Police, homeowner Nestor Roman II, 30, entered a Whitefield Fire-Rescue F-550 rescue truck that had responded to the blaze, drove it away, collided with another fire engine, ran over active fire-hoses, and narrowly missed three firefighters. The vehicle also struck a small pickup, damaged wooden fences at two properties and later crashed on a separate residence where Roman attempted to take items from the porch. Troopers found him there, arrested him after a brief struggle and transported him to the Coös County Jail.
Background & Context
The fire prompted a multi-town mutual-aid response. Dalton Fire Chief Ron Sheltry noted the blaze had already escalated to a first alarm, drawing units from surrounding towns, including Littleton Fire-Rescue. Whitefield Fire-Rescue supplied the rescue truck that was later taken. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, which destroyed Roman’s home.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: Three counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, one count of felony theft by unauthorized taking, one count of burglary, one count of obstructing government administration, four counts of conduct after an accident, and one count of resisting arrest (NH State Police).
- Timeline:
- ~4 a.m.: Fire breaks out and is fully involved.
- Shortly before 5 a.m.: Roman allegedly commandeers the rescue truck.
- Minutes later: Troopers locate Roman on a nearby property and take him into custody.
- Property damage: Roman’s home is a total loss; two wooden fences and a personal vehicle were damaged; Whitefield Engine 3 sustained significant damage but remained operational.
- Injuries: No firefighters or civilians were reported injured.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Sheltry emphasized that the structure was already a “complete loss” when crews arrived and expressed relief that no personnel were harmed. Lt. Chris Ladd of the New Hampshire State Police said troopers intercepted Roman after he attempted to enter the back of a residence on Faraway Road.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were physically injured despite the close call,” — Dalton Fire Rescue officials
- “Troopers were able to make contact with Mr. Roman. He was actually attempting to make entry into the back of that residence. They were able to stop him and take him into custody,” — NHSP Lt. Chris Ladd
What’s Next
Roman is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday in Lancaster District Court. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will continue its investigation into the fire’s origin, and the damaged fire apparatus will undergo assessment and repair.
