UPDATES: Statement by a father of one of the boys | Teens’ loader rampage leaves wake of destruction

LEWISTON — Two 14-year-old boys were taken into custody after a construction bucket loader was taken in West Gardiner and stopped near the New Gloucester toll plaza.

Lewiston police were called about 4:50 a.m. Monday to help the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department stop the loader on Sabattus Street. Mailboxes and fire hydrants were damaged in Sabattus.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle as it traveled at speeds between 8 and 30 mph. Lewiston police say it hit one cruiser.

The chase continued on Lisbon Street, then southbound on the Maine Turnpike with Lewiston police in pursuit. Maine State Police were notified. 

When the vehicle reached New Gloucester, it crossed the median to continue south in the northbound lanes of the turnpike. Lewiston police cars traveled ahead to try to block the northbound lanes.

The construction vehicle hit a northbound vehicle. A Lewiston police officer fired three shots at the construction vehicle’s tires. Then the operator of the construction vehicle stopped.

Two 14-year-old boys were arrested and transported to the Lewiston Police Department.

The Maine State Police, Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department and the Lewiston Police Department are investigating. The Maine Attorney General’s office will be investigating because a police officer fired a weapon for the purpose of stopping an individual.

This story will be updated.

Damaged car at scene of front loader crash on @MaineTurnpike at mile 71 NB. Expect delays in Auburn area. pic.twitter.com/7XTiTctLGZ

— CBS 13 News (@WGME) September 12, 2016