Maine Man Charged for Shooting at 3 Power Substations

Thomas Welch, 54, of Fairfield, turned himself in after the incidents in Augusta, Winslow, and Windsor.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Maine police are investigating a series of shootings at power substations in three different communities in Kennebec County. Thomas Welch, a 54-year-old man from Fairfield, Maine, has been charged with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated reckless conduct after turning himself in to the Winslow Police Department.

Why it matters

The incidents caused damage to the electrical substations belonging to Central Maine Power (CMP) and raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to such attacks, which could potentially disrupt power service to local communities.

The details

According to authorities, the shootings occurred between midnight and 4:15 am on Sunday at three different CMP substations - in Windsor, Winslow, and Augusta. Officers found evidence of gunfire and damage to the installations, but no one was injured. Police interviewed Welch and took him into custody at the Winslow Police Department, where he was charged with the two felony counts.

  • At approximately 12:15 am, Maine State Police Troopers responded to the Coopers Mills substation of Barton Road in Windsor for a report of shots fired.
  • In Winslow, officers from the Winslow Police Department responded to the substation on Benton Avenue at approximately 3:59 am.
  • Then at approximately 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.

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.

Central Maine Power (CMP)

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

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What they’re saying

“These incidents remain under investigation.”

— Shannon Moss, Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesperson (z1073.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Thomas Welch to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The shootings at the power substations highlight the potential vulnerability of critical infrastructure to such attacks, raising concerns about public safety and the need for enhanced security measures to protect essential services in Maine communities.