Stolen fire engine smashes signs, trees and 14 parked vehicles in North Everett
Published 1:30 am Saturday, July 19, 2025
EVERETT — Police are searching for the person who stole an Everett Fire Department engine and smashed at least 14 parked cars and trucks before abandoning the 35,000-pound vehicle on the street on Friday night in North Everett.
According to a press release from the EFD, an engine crew was handling a medical emergency just after 11 p.m. on the fifth floor of an apartment building in the 2900 block of Hoyt Avenue. When the crew was leaving the building, they discovered that their engine was missing.
“At the same time, the first 911 call was received, reporting a hit-and-run incident in the 1300 block of Hoyt Avenue, where witnesses stated that the fire engine had struck two parked cars at a high rate of speed and left the scene,” the release stated.
The suspect drove the engine at high speeds northbound on Hoyt Avenue before doing more damage on Alverson Boulevard and eventually East Marine View Drive. That’s where the suspect reportedly plowed into 10 vehicles before abandoning the powerful vehicle and fleeing on foot. Hit-and-run reports came from several locations along the suspect’s path of destruction.
Everett Police responded to the location where the suspect ditched the fire engine in the 1000 block of W. Marine View Drive. Officers established containment and conducted a K-9 track, but the suspect remains at large.
No injuries were reported at any of the incident locations.
The stolen fire engine has been placed out of service and impounded for evidence after suffering significant damage. According to the release, it was one of the EFD’s newer fire engines. A reserve fire apparatus has been placed into service to ensure emergency services are not interrupted.
“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,” Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco said. “We are thankful that nobody was injured in this event, and we remain focused on safeguarding our community and our emergency response capabilities. We also want to take this opportunity to thank the community for their ongoing support. We are here to serve them, and their trust inspires us to continue our dedication to their safety.”
Detectives from the Everett Police Department are investigating the theft of the 2018 Pierce Enforcer Pumper and the mayhem that followed. They ask that anyone who has video or any information about the incident call the EPD tip line at 425-257-8450.
“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,” Everett Police Department Chief John DeRousse said. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents, and any information that helps us resolve this incident is crucial. It is imperative that we hold the suspect accountable for their actions, and we will work diligently to bring them to justice.”
Aaron Kennedy: 425-257-7444; aaron.kennedy@heraldnet.com
