GARLAND — Gunshots rang out early Tuesday morning as individuals reportedly attempted to steal a front-end loader, leading to a chaotic scene and a subsequent arrest, according to the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 14, the Penobscot Regional Communications Center (PRCC) received a call from residents near Upper Notch Road who witnessed what appeared to be a theft of a large front-end loader from a nearby gravel pit.
The situation quickly escalated when the complainant reported the stolen loader was now in their driveway, attempting to ram through their house and damaging vehicles.
Responding to the imminent threat, individuals from the residence fired several rounds at the front-end loader, which then retreated, crossing a field and escaping down a wooded road.
Later, at around 6:10 a.m., PRCC was notified of a front-end loader on Center Road in Charleston.
Law enforcement located the vehicle and the lone occupant, who surrendered without resistance.
The operator, identified as Michael Thompson, 37, of Corinna, revealed he had been shot during the incident.
Emergency Medical Services attended to Thompson and transported him to a local hospital.
After receiving treatment, Thompson was arrested and taken to the Penobscot County Jail.
The ongoing investigation may lead to additional charges.
The Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Maine State Police in managing the situation.
