A Fairfield man was arrested Sunday following reports of vandalism at three Central Maine Power substations in Winslow, Coopers Mills and Augusta between midnight and 4:15 a.m.
Thomas Welch, 54, turned himself in to Winslow police later Sunday and was charged with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated reckless conduct.
Maine State Police troopers responded at approximately 12:15 a.m. to the substation in Coopers Mills off Barton Road in Windsor after receiving a report of shots fired, according to a news release from Shannon Moss, Department of Public Safety public information officer.
Shortly before 4 a.m., the Winslow police responded to the substation on Benton Avenue.
At about 4:15 a.m., Augusta police responded to a report of shots fired at the substation on Capital Street.
At each location, Moss said in the news release, officers found evidence consistent with gunfire and damage to the substations. The incidents appeared to be similar in nature, she said, and no one was injured.
That damage apparently resulted in widespread power outages early Sunday morning.
“We are aware of multiple people hearing loud pops in the area at the time,” Winslow police wrote.
“Law enforcement is investigating a series of criminal incidents involving CMP installations that occurred overnight,” a CMP spokesperson said in a statement midday Sunday. “The company is coordinating closely with state and local officials and there is currently no disruption to electrical service.”
Welch was taken to the Kennebec County jail.
Moss said the investigation, involving state, Winslow and Augusta police, remains active.
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