Central Maine Residents Face Power Outages After Substation Shootings

A man has turned himself in for allegedly shooting up multiple Central Maine Power substations early Sunday morning.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, between midnight and 4:15 AM on Sunday, police responded to three different Central Maine Power substations in Windsor, Winslow, and Augusta that had been damaged by gunfire. No one was hurt, but the incidents caused power outages in the area. Later that morning, 54-year-old Thomas Welch of Fairfield turned himself in at the Winslow Police Department and was charged with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated reckless conduct.

Why it matters

The substation shootings have disrupted power service for many residents in Central Maine, raising concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential for similar attacks in the future. The incident also highlights the need for improved security measures to protect these vital facilities.

The details

At each of the three substation locations, officers found damage and evidence consistent with gunfire. Police say the incidents appear to be related. After turning himself in, Welch was taken into custody and is expected to be transported to the Kennebec County Jail.

  • The first call came in around 12:15 AM at the Coopers Mills substation on Barton Road in Windsor.
  • Around 3:59 AM, Winslow police were sent to the substation on Benton Avenue.
  • At about 4:15 AM, Augusta police responded to a report of shots fired at the substation on Capital Street.

The players

Thomas Welch

A 54-year-old man from Fairfield, Maine who turned himself in to the Winslow Police Department and was charged with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated reckless conduct.

Maine Department of Public Safety

The state agency that issued a press release about the substation shootings.

Central Maine Power

The utility company that owns the substations that were targeted in the shootings.

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What they’re saying

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

— Shannon Moss, Maine Department of Public Safety (ultimatemaine.com)

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

The substation shootings highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for improved security measures to protect these vital facilities. The incident also raises concerns about the potential for similar attacks in the future and the impact they can have on local communities.