Boulder police arrest man who allegedly stole fire truck right after release from jail
Boulder police are investigating an incident Wednesday involving a Boulder Fire-Rescue engine being stolen and a sheriff’s deputy suffering injuries while apprehending the suspect.
Richmond Takashi Johnson, 33, was arrested late Tuesday on a trespassing charge after police received a report of a man trying to open doors of cars and homes in the 4500 block of 19th Street.
Johnson was taken to jail, booked, then released just after 3:30 a.m., according to a news release by the Boulder Police Department.
Boulder Fire-Rescue then responded to the jail about 10 minutes later for an unrelated medical call. While first responders were inside the jail treating the patient, Johnson allegedly entered the fire engine and drove away, leading to a police pursuit.
Police deployed stop sticks three times, popping the tires of the truck and causing the truck to lose control at 1st and Main streets in Longmont.
Johnson then allegedly led officers on a foot chase before he was arrested by Boulder County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Longmont Police Department officers.
The fire engine stolen in the incident sustained significant damage, police said. Three other sheriff’s office vehicles were damaged and a deputy suffered minor injuries during the foot pursuit.
In addition to the trespassing charge, Johnson now faces a slew of charges, including obstructing an emergency medical provider, two counts of felony motor vehicle theft, resisting arrest, reckless driving, felony criminal mischief, felony evading, reckless endangerment and driving after his license had been revoked.
Johnson’s bond was set at $100,000.




