![Trains Disrupted By Man On Stolen Front-End Loader](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2018/03/Ayres.jpg?w=980&q=75)
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.
More From WQCB Brewer Maine
![Bangor Police Say 10+ More Arrested in the Camp Hope Raid](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-341.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Man’s Body Has Been Recovered From Maine’s Casco Bay](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2017/06/Maine-Marine-Patrol.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bangor Police Arrest a Woman in a Stolen Dump Truck from Vermont](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Lyndon-Vermont.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Maine Officials Identify 2 People Who Died in Trenton Plane Crash](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Plane-Crash-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bangor Police Arrest 2 at Camp Hope Unhoused Encampment](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-ture-fram.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![AI Ranks the 10 Best Places to Vacation in Maine](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T105846.299.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Drugs and Guns: Milford Woman and Two Men Indicted](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-17.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Maine Man Pleads Guilty For His Role in the U.S. Capitol Breach](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-15.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Maine Man Who Killed His Girlfriend in 2022 Sentenced](http://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-24T113935.874.jpg?w=980&q=75)