Maine Brothers Accused of Hitting a School Bus Face Charges

Two men suspected of fleeing after hitting a loaded school bus are now in custody.

The Brothers are Accused of Hitting a School Bus That Contained 13 Children

Two brothers are facing charges. Robert Hargis, 33, and Patrick Hargis, 30, both of Hiram were taken into custody on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at around 9:00 at night.

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The brothers are accused of hitting a school bus on June 14th on Sokokis Avenue. Maine State Police say the bus was slowing down as it approached Axelsen Road but the 4-door sedan traveling behind it failed to slow in time. The sedan crashed into the back of the bus, causing debilitating damage to both vehicles, which had to be towed from the scene. The two men in the car, suspected of being the Hargis brothers, fled into the woods before the police arrived. There were 13 children on the school bus, as well as the driver. No one was hurt in the incident.

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Police Found the Hargis Brothers Hiding in a Wall

An investigation by the Maine State Police and Cumberland County Sheriff's Office led officials to 361 Sokokis Avenue in Limington, after they got information that the brothers were staying there. After a search of the property, with the help of a police K9, the Hargis brothers were found hiding inside a wall in an upstairs bedroom. Both men were taken into custody without incident and transported to the York County Jail.

Each of the Men Had Active Warrants at the Time of Their Arrests

Both men face charges:

• Patrick Hargis is charged with felony reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and will also be charged with operating after suspension, operating with a suspended registration, leaving the scene of an accident, and three counts of violating conditions of release. In addition, Patrick had one active warrant and was on probation.
• Robert was taken into custody on nine active warrants.

We'll update this story as more details become available.