Man Faces Charges For Allegedly Shooting Up Central Maine Electrical Substations

Did you experience some electrical issues at your home on Sunday morning?

We now know why.

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety's Shannon Moss, a man has turned himself in for allegedly shooting up a series of Central Maine Power substations early Sunday morning.

The press release explains that, between midnight and about 4:15 AM, police were called to three different Central Maine Power substations in Windsor, Winslow, and Augusta.

The first call came in around 12:15 AM at the Coopers Mills substation on Barton Road in Windsor.

A few hours later, around 3:59 AM, Winslow police were sent to the substation on Benton Avenue.

Then, at about 4:15 AM, Augusta police responded to a report of shots fired at the substation on Capital Street.

At each location, officers found damage and evidence consistent with gunfire.  Police say the incidents appear to be related.

No one was hurt, and officials say there is no threat to the public.

Later Sunday morning, 54-year-old Thomas Welch of Fairfield turned himself in at the Winslow Police Department.  After an initial investigation, he was taken into custody and is expected to be transported to the Kennebec County Jail.

Welch is charged with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated reckless conduct.

The investigation is still active and involves Maine State Police, Winslow Police, and Augusta Police. More information is expected to be released when it becomes available.