Colorado Man Arrested After Stealing Fire Truck and Crashing It Into a Creek

Boulder County deputies say a man is facing multiple charges after attempting to steal a fire truck from a local station, driving it only a short distance, and then crashing it nose‑first into a shallow creek. The bizarre incident unfolded in the early afternoon, when firefighters were out responding to a call and the station was temporarily empty.

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect walked into the firehouse through an unlocked side door. With no personnel present, he climbed into one of the department’s engines, managed to start it, and rolled out of the bay. Investigators believe he had no plan beyond simply taking the truck; they described his actions as “impulsive” and “highly impaired.”

The fire engine made it only a few blocks before the suspect lost control. Witnesses reported seeing the truck swerving, clipping a guardrail, and then veering off the road entirely. The vehicle plunged down a small embankment and landed in a creek bed, its front end buried in mud and water. The suspect climbed out of the cab, soaked and disoriented, and wandered along the creek bank until deputies arrived.

Firefighters returning from their call noticed immediately that one of their engines was missing. They followed a trail of damaged brush and tire marks until they reached the creek, where the truck sat at an awkward angle with its emergency lights still flashing. The suspect was detained nearby and reportedly attempted to explain that he “needed the truck for an emergency,” though deputies said he was clearly intoxicated.

The fire engine sustained significant damage to its front bumper, undercarriage, and electrical systems. A heavy‑duty tow crew was required to lift the vehicle out of the creek and haul it back to the station for repairs. Fire officials say the truck will be out of service for an extended period.

The suspect was arrested on charges including motor‑vehicle theft, DUI, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. Deputies noted that the situation could have been far worse, given the size of the vehicle and the proximity of homes and pedestrians along the route.

Fire officials called the incident “one of the strangest thefts we’ve ever dealt with,” adding that they plan to review security procedures at the station. No injuries were reported.