An Everett fire engine was stolen late Friday night, triggering a bizarre and dangerous rampage that left 16 parked vehicles damaged and police scrambling to locate the suspect. The incident occurred while fire personnel were attending to a medical emergency on the fifth floor of a nearby building, leaving their vehicle unattended on the street.
The stolen apparatus was identified as a 2018 Pierce Enforcer Pumper, weighing approximately 35,000 pounds, according to the Everett Police Department.
Fire Engine Crashes into Cars, Trees, and Signs During Rampage
The theft happened shortly after 11 p.m. in the 2900 block of Hoyt Avenue. Within minutes of the fire crew discovering their truck missing, multiple 911 calls were placed reporting a fire engine colliding with parked cars.
- First 911 call: Fire engine hit 2 parked vehicles and fled
- Second 911 call: Same fire engine plowed into 10 more cars, then was abandoned
- Additional reports: Damage to trees, street signs, and other property across at least three scenes
Authorities confirmed that at least 16 vehicles were struck, and the stolen engine itself sustained significant damage. It has since been removed from service.
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No Injuries Reported, But Community Safety Shaken
While no injuries were reported, the recklessness and scale of the destruction caused deep concern among city officials.
“Losing a fire engine in such a reckless manner not only jeopardizes the safety of our first responders but also puts our community at risk,” said Everett Police Chief John DeRousse.
The department is now working closely with the Everett Fire Department to understand how the theft occurred and prevent future incidents.
“We are actively reviewing this incident and examining our policies and procedures to see what, if anything, can be done to help prevent such occurrences in the future,” added Fire Chief Dave DeMarco.
Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect
As of Sunday, the suspect remains at large. Everett Police are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage related to the incident to contact investigators immediately.
The public’s assistance is considered vital in bringing the suspect to justice and restoring community confidence in emergency services.
