More Than a Dozen 911 Calls Lead Troopers to Erratic Box Truck on I-95

BANGOR, Maine — A Florida man was arrested Wednesday evening after Maine State Police said an erratic box truck generated 14 separate 911 calls, crashed through a closed weigh-station gate, crossed an interstate median and briefly traveled the wrong way on Interstate 95 before winding up in a Bangor parking lot.

The incident began at approximately 5:32 p.m. on Aug. 19, when the Bangor Regional Communications Center began receiving reports of a box truck driving erratically southbound on I-95 in Old Town.

According to Maine State Police, callers reported that the truck drove through a closed gate at a weigh station and continued south toward Bangor.

Troopers in the area began searching for the vehicle, while Bangor and Orono police were notified and asked to assist.

The situation escalated after the truck exited the interstate at Exit 187 near Hogan Road in Bangor before getting back onto I-95 and heading north.

Police said the truck then crossed the median and began traveling the wrong way in the southbound lanes.

The driver eventually corrected course and made his way to the Lowe’s parking lot in Bangor, where witnesses reportedly saw the truck driving in circles.

Authorities ultimately located the vehicle in the nearby BJ’s parking lot.

The driver, identified by police as 36-year-old Julio Matos of Orange City, Florida, was taken into custody without incident.

Matos was transported to the Penobscot County Jail and charged with criminal operating under the influence, driving to endanger and failure to notify of a motor vehicle accident, according to State Police.

Authorities said additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.

Despite the truck’s lengthy and unpredictable path through the Bangor area, police reported no injuries.

Maine State Police thanked the Bangor Police Department for assisting troopers at the location where Matos was ultimately taken into custody.