Man taken into custody after gunfire at three CMP substations

KENNEBEC COUNTY, Maine - Law enforcement agencies are investigating multiple gunshots that occurred at electrical substations in Kennebec County early Sunday morning.

Between approximately midnight and 4:15 am, officers responded to reports of gunfire at three Central Maine Power substations located in Windsor, Winslow, and Augusta, according to a release sent out by the Dept. of Public Safety.

At approximately 12:15 am, Maine State Police Troopers responded to the Coopers Mills substation off Barton Road in Windsor after receiving a report of shots fired. Later in Winslow, officers from the Winslow Police Department responded to the substation on Benton Avenue at around 4 a.m. and finally at 4:15 am, officers from the Augusta Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at the substation located on Capital Street in Augusta.

At each location, officers found evidence consistent with gunfire and damage to installations. The incidents appear to be similar in nature.

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

Welch is charged with Aggravated Criminal Mischief and Aggravated Reckless Conduct.

Safety officials say there is no threat to the public.

*Questions regarding electrical service impacts should be directed to Central Maine Power.