AUGUSTA, Maine – A string of overnight gunfire incidents left damage at three Central Maine Power substations in Kennebec County early Sunday, prompting a multi-agency investigation and an arrest.
Between roughly midnight and 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, officers responded to reports of shots fired at substations in Windsor, Winslow, and Augusta. Maine State Police troopers were dispatched at about 12:15 a.m. to the Coopers Mills substation off Barton Road in Windsor after receiving a report of gunfire.
Nearly four hours later, at approximately 3:59 a.m., Winslow Police responded to the CMP substation on Benton Avenue. About 16 minutes after that, at around 4:15 a.m., Augusta Police were called to the CMP substation on Capital Street in Augusta for another report of shots fired.
At each location, officers found evidence consistent with gunfire and damage to installations. Authorities say the incidents appear similar in nature. No one was injured, and officials say there is no threat to the public.
Later Sunday morning, 54-year-old Thomas Welch of Fairfield turned himself in to the Winslow Police Department. After an initial investigation, Welch was taken into custody by Winslow Police and is expected to be transported to the Kennebec County Jail.
Welch is charged with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated reckless conduct.
The investigation remains active and involves the Maine State Police, the Winslow Police Department, and the Augusta Police Department. Authorities say additional information will be released when appropriate.
