Only in Maine, right? A man with skidder attempts to destroy a house. What was he thinking?
A Portage man was arrested Friday after authorities say he drove a grapple skidder into a home and left the heavy equipment blocking Route 11 in Portage Lake.
Aroostook County sheriff’s deputies were called to the area around 4:40 p.m. after receiving reports of the skidder blocking the highway. Callers also said a nearby home had been badly damaged and that the operator was acting strangely.
When deputies arrived, they found Gary Belanger standing on top of the skidder. After convincing him to climb down, deputies took him into custody.
Sheriff Peter Johnson said the incident followed a conversation between Belanger, his wife and daughter concerning ongoing court cases involving another person. Belanger reportedly left the home, returned in an altered state and then left again before driving the skidder into the residence.
The home suffered extensive damage from the machine’s grapple hook and plow and has been deemed a total loss. A significant propane leak was also reported.
No one was inside the residence when it was struck, and officials did not need to evacuate nearby residents. Two dogs inside the home were not injured.
Route 11 remained closed for several hours while authorities dealt with the scene. The sheriff’s office said it is still waiting for an estimate of the damage.
Belanger was charged with aggravated criminal mischief, criminal trespass and violating conditions of release. He was taken to the Aroostook County Jail and held without bail.
Johnson said the investigation remains active and additional charges could be filed.
[source]
Latest Local Eastern & Central Maine News
