Trains Disrupted By Man On Stolen Front-End Loader

Two trains were disrupted by a Portland man on a stolen front-end loader over the weekend, with one nearly hitting him.

WGME-TV reports 45-year-old Charles Ayres was not cooperative when police arrested him Saturday morning. He's charged with felony theft by unauthorized use of a vehicle, aggravated criminal mischief, and driving to endanger after allegedly stealing a front end loader from a parking lot on St. John Street in Portland. So far, he's given no indication to police why he stole it or where he was headed.

The Amtrak Downeaster almost hit Ayres, while a freight train was forced to make an emergency stop. Falmouth Road, at the intersection with Leighton Road, was closed for almost two hours, with the railroad track staying closed even longer as crews checked the rails for damage.

Railroad Police are involved in the case, so Ayres may also face charges for interfering with railroad operations. He's due in court today.