Man Steals Fire Truck, Leads Police on High-Speed ​​Chase

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. — A Knightstown police officer was standing at a gas station waiting to buy a cup of coffee when a Buck Creek Fire truck pulled up with red lights flashing.

From the truck came a firefighter with an unusual appearance, dressed in a “child-sized sweater” and flip-flops, according to the police officer.

“Which way is Naptown?” » he would have asked in a garbled voice.

The officer pointed to US 40 just to the west.

The man got back into the red Ford fire truck, the type commonly known as “brush trucks” or “grass trucks,” and took off.

A police report continues to detail what happened next, with the Knightstown officer realizing something was wrong and chasing the fire truck.

The chase turned into a high-speed chase as the fire truck sped down U.S. 40, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, according to the officer.

Henry and Hancock County deputies joined the chase, creating a bizarre spectacle for passersby as several police cars flew across the highway in pursuit of a fire truck.

Eventually, officers blocked U.S. 40 with their patrol cars and forced the fire truck driver to stop right in front of the Hancock County Jail.

Thomas G. Longstreet, 45, who is believed to be homeless, was identified as the driver of the stolen truck.

The Buck Creek Township Fire Department confirmed the brush truck was stolen from their department and provided police with video that allegedly showed the theft.

Police said that after being arrested, Longstreet said, “Stupid @** cops left, I unlocked it and the keys are in it.” Longstreet then pretended to be the mayor in addition to pretending to be a cop.

Longstreet is charged with resisting arrest by using a vehicle, a level 6 felony, and impersonating a public servant, also a level 6 felony. He also faces a misdemeanor count of reckless driving.