WATERVILLE — A man was arrested on a charge of burglary Thursday after police said they found that he had been staying inside the closed Tim Horton’s eatery on Main Street and taking items that were left behind.

Victor Dudley, 47, who police described as a transient but now will be staying with a friend in Skowhegan, was arrested on a charge of burglary, a class C felony.

Police started investigating the area after someone reported that someone had gotten into the building through the drive-thru window around 1 p.m., according to Deputy Chief Bill Bonney.

At first, officers secured the building and didn’t find anyone. However, about 15 minutes later, while one officer was interviewing someone, a witness reported seeing a man walking back to Tim Horton’s who matched the description of the person who had entered it before, Bonney said.

The officers inside the building waited for and then arrested Dudley when he entered. He allegedly had stolen some food that was left in the store, which is why he was charged with burglary.

“He said he went in there to keep warm,” Bonney said.

The drive-thru window was broken as well, but Dudley denied doing that, Bonney said. Police believe Dudley had been staying inside the building since Wednesday night.

Dudley was taken to the Kennebec County jail in Augusta, where he was released on $1,000 unsecured bail. He is scheduled to appear in court April 24.

Madeline St. Amour — 861-9239

mstamour@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @madelinestamour