DNA evidence closes months-long investigation into stolen Everett Fire engine rampage

A suspect who allegedly stole an Everett Fire engine in July 2025 was identified through DNA on Wednesday after being on the loose for several months.

Everett Police Department (EPD) property crime detectives referred charges to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office after its investigation into the theft of the fire engine was completed, EPD announced.

“Stealing a fire engine is not only unlawful – it puts our community and our first responders at risk,” Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin said. “I’m grateful to our Everett Police Department and partner agencies for their determined work identifying the suspect in this serious incident.”

Everett Fire engine stolen from scene of late-night medical emergency in mid-2025

On July 18, 2025, an Everett Fire engine was stolen from the 2900 block of Hoyt Avenue as firefighters were on the scene of a late-night medical emergency.

The suspect drove the stolen fire engine at high speeds through north Everett residential streets, which caused significant damage to multiple parked vehicles and landscaping, before he fled on foot.

After 11 p.m., the Everett Fire crew that had been on the fifth floor of an apartment building returned to find the engine missing. Subsequently, EPD received a 911 call reporting a hit-and-run incident in the 1300 block of Hoyt Avenue.

Witnesses stated that the fire engine had made contact with two parked cars at a high rate of speed and left the scene. Roughly one minute later, similar reports were made from the 1000 block of E. Marine View Drive, where the fire engine had come to a stop after it struck six parked vehicles.

In total, EPD responded to seven different locations where incidents were reported, with damage being sustained at the following:

• 2900 Hoyt Avenue: Original theft location
• 2600 Hoyt Avenue: Collision involving three parked vehicles
• 1300 Hoyt Avenue: Additional collision with two parked vehicles
• 900 Hoyt Avenue: Collision involving one parked vehicle
• 500 block of Alverson: Damage to landscaping trees
• Alverson Boulevard & W. Marine View Drive: Damage to directional signs, curbing, and grass
• 1000 E. Marine View Drive: Collision with six parked vehicles

EPD officers promptly responded to the location where the fire engine had come to a stop in the 1000 block of E. Marine View Drive. A K-9 unit also responded, but the suspect was not located. No injuries were reported as a result of any of the incidents.

“I want to thank our detectives, officers, and partner agencies for their persistence during this investigation,” said Everett Police Chief Robert Goetz. “Their work provided closure to a critical case and reinforced our commitment to accountability and justice.”

The stolen 2018 Pierce Enforcer Pumper Fire engine received significant damage, was put out of service, and impounded for evidence. A reserve fire apparatus was then put into service to ensure that emergency services would remain operational for the Everett community.

DNA evidence from fire engine led detectives to suspect already in custody

EPD property crime detectives identified the suspect by using DNA evidence that was recovered from the stolen fire engine at the time of the incident. The suspect is a man in his 30s who was already in custody at the South Correctional Entity jail in King County.

After the suspect was interviewed by investigators, the case was submitted to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.

The suspect faces 19 counts of various charges, including one count of theft of a motor vehicle, 12 counts of hit-and-run on an unattended vehicle, and six counts of hit-and-run on unattended property.

“We appreciate the Everett Police Department’s work investigating this incident,” EFD Chief Dave DeMarco said. “Emergency vehicles are critical, life-saving resources for our community. Taking a fire engine while our firefighters were responding to a medical emergency created a dangerous situation and caused significant damage to the engine and community property. We’re grateful no one was seriously injured and value the strong coordination and partnership with our law enforcement colleagues.”

Any additional information regarding the incident can be directed to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.