Maine Man Charged for Gunfire Attacks on CMP Substations

Thomas Welch, 54, turned himself in after incidents in Windsor, Winslow, and Augusta

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 54-year-old Fairfield, Maine man named Thomas Welch has been charged with Aggravated Criminal Mischief and Aggravated Reckless Conduct after turning himself in to police for a series of early Sunday morning gunfire attacks on Central Maine Power (CMP) electrical substations in three different towns. Police say they found evidence of gunfire and damage to the installations, but no one was injured.

Why it matters

Attacks on critical energy infrastructure can pose serious risks to public safety and disrupt power supplies for entire communities. This incident comes amid heightened concerns about domestic extremism and the vulnerability of the U.S. electrical grid to physical attacks.

The details

According to police, the first incident occurred at 12:15 am at the Coopers Mills substation in Windsor. Officers were then sent to the substation on Benton Avenue in Winslow at approximately 3:59 am and to the substation on Capital Street in Augusta at around 4:15 am. In all three cases, police found evidence of gunfire and damage to the installations. Welch later turned himself in to the Winslow Police Department.

  • At 12:15 am, police responded to the Coopers Mills substation in Windsor.
  • At approximately 3:59 am, police responded to the substation on Benton Avenue in Winslow.
  • At approximately 4:15 am, police responded to the substation on Capital Street in Augusta.

The players

Thomas Welch

A 54-year-old man from Fairfield, Maine who turned himself in to police for the attacks.

Central Maine Power (CMP)

The electric utility company that operates the substations that were targeted in the attacks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Welch will be transported to the Kennebec County Jail and is expected to appear before a judge on Tuesday to determine if he will be granted bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure and the potential risks posed by domestic extremism. Authorities will likely increase security measures at power substations and other sensitive facilities in the wake of these attacks.