EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett Fire Department (EFD) says a suspect stole a fire engine while crews were on scene of a medical emergency on Friday night.
Following the call at around 11 p.m., firefighters went to return to their truck near 2900 Hoyt Avenue when they discovered the fire engine was missing, EFD said in a release.
Everett Fire says someone stole the engine and they quickly began receiving calls from 911 of a hit-and-run.
Witnesses reported seeing the fire truck speeding and crashing into two parked cars and leaving the scene a few blocks away on Hoyt Avenue.
More reports came in of crashes at multiple locations, causing damage to additional parked cars, street signs, and landscaping.
“Coming down the road towards the house and it goes boom, boom, boom, right in front of our house,” said witness Tyler Leamons.
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Leamons told KIRO 7 he and his roommates stepped out to find a 35,000-pound fire engine had crashed just a few feet away from his front door.
“Just a really quick earthquake. It shook the whole house. It shook all the cups on the table and just, it, it was pretty startling,” Leamons described.
EPD says the suspect crashed into about 14 parked cars before fleeing on foot. Despite calling in a K-9 to track the suspect, they remain at large.
“You can see all four of the closest cars were all crunched together,” Leamons added. “I was preparing to see a hurt firefighter, but then the cab was empty and there was just a suspect running away.”
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect wearing a black hoodie and dark pants.
Most of the damage happened on W Marine View Drive where 10 of the 14 parked cars were hit.
“I haven’t been down here since last night when I parked it,” said victim John Wahleithner.
Waleithner had no idea what happened to his yellow Camaro until KIRO 7’s Samantha Lomibao showed him.
He says it’s a huge loss for him and his wife, and he doesn’t know what will happen next.
“That was the only car we had, you know. I’ve got surgery coming up Monday and no way to get there, no way, yeah. So we’re kind of stuck right now in a bad situation,” he said.
Crews found the 2018 Pierce Enforcer Pumper at 1000 East Marine Drive with significant damage, but no injuries were reported.
The engine is out of service with extensive damage.
Waleithner has a message for the suspect who stole the engine.
“Thanks a lot. You just ruined a lot of people’s lives. Yeah, because a lot of people live here aren’t going to be able to replace their cars,” he said.
Everett Police are investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to contact their tip line at 425-257-8450.
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