Police in Washington state are investigating a brazen overnight theft that left a 35,000-pound fire engine wrecked, multiple vehicles damaged, and a community stunned.
Late Friday night, July 18, an Everett Fire Department fire engine was stolen from the 2900 block of Hoyt Avenue while firefighters were responding to a medical emergency inside a nearby apartment building. When the crew returned from the fifth floor, they discovered their apparatus — a 2018 Pierce Enforcer Pumper — was gone. Moments later, 911 calls began pouring in, reporting a fire engine crashing into parked cars and fleeing the scenes.
The stolen engine sped through several residential streets in north Everett, leaving destruction in its wake. It first struck two parked cars at high speed near the 1300 block of Hoyt Avenue. Just minutes later, it collided with ten more parked vehicles on the 1000 block of E Marine View Drive, where it was ultimately abandoned.
Further damage was reported across multiple locations, including tree destruction on the 500 block of Alverson Boulevard, and torn-up directional signs, curbing, and grass at the intersection of Alverson Boulevard and W Marine View Drive. In total, the series of collisions affected vehicles and property at five distinct sites between the 2600 and 1300 blocks of Hoyt Avenue, Alverson, and E Marine View Drive. No injuries were reported.
Everett Police quickly responded to the final crash site, establishing a perimeter and conducting a K-9 search, but the suspect escaped on foot and remains unidentified. The stolen engine was impounded and removed from service due to significant damage. A reserve apparatus has been deployed to maintain fire protection services in the city.
“Losing a fire engine to such a reckless person not only jeopardizes the safety of our first responders but also puts our community at risk. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents, and any information that helps us resolve this incident is crucial,” said Everett Police Chief John DeRousse.
“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,” said Fire Chief Dave DeMarco. “We are thankful that no one was injured in this event, and we remain focused on safeguarding our community and our emergency response capabilities.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with video footage, leads, or information to call the Everett Police Department TIP LINE at (425) 257-8450.
