A man stole a massive 35,000-pound fire truck in Washington and went on a chaotic rampage, smashing into over a dozen cars before escaping on foot on Friday evening, according to officials.
The fire truck, stationed at Everett Fire Station, was taken around 11 PM while the firefighters were attending to medical emergencies nearby. Once the crew returned, they realized the fire truck was missing only after hearing reports of its reckless escapades, which began with a crash into a parked vehicle.
Just a minute later, another report came in indicating that the truck had collided with ten more vehicles, as the driver fled the scene. As of late Sunday, the suspect was still at large.
Authorities reported finding signs of destruction throughout the area, including damage to trees and street signs, alongside the wrecked vehicles. At least 16 cars were affected by this event, and the stolen 2018 Pierce Enforcer Pumper Truck, valued between $500,000 and $1 million, sustained heavy damage.
Everett Police Chief John DeLuse commented on the incident, emphasizing the dangers it poses not only to first responders but also to the community. “Losing a fire truck in such a reckless way puts everyone at risk,” he remarked.
“We are dedicated to safeguarding our residents, and any information that could assist in resolving this case is crucial. Holding those responsible accountable for their actions is essential,” he added.
Remarkably, no injuries have been reported so far. “We’re actively reviewing the incident and examining our policies and procedures to prevent something like this from happening again,” noted Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco.
