Clinton man evades police by jumping on freight train and riding it into town, authorities say

CLINTON — A 32-year-old man was arrested this week after initially evading police by jumping on a moving freight train and riding it into town, police said Tuesday.

David Bowring of Clinton was charged with a probation hold and aggravated domestic violence assault, police Chief Stanley “Rusty” Bell said. The incident began Monday just before 3 p.m. when police received a call about a couple fighting on Bangor Road.

An officer responded and spoke with Bowring’s girlfriend, who, according to Bell, had physical signs of injury and said Bowring hit her as the two argued. The officer attempted to locate Bowring on the property but was unable to find him, so he called for a Maine State Police K-9 unit to assist.

Officers were able to track Bowring to nearby railroad tracks and determined that he had jumped on a moving freight train and rode it into the center of town, Bell said.

Bowring then went to a friend’s house in town who called police to report his location. The friend brought Bowring to a convenience store in Clinton where state troopers held him until a Clinton officer could arrive.

Bowring was taken to the Kennebec County Jail. He later posted bond and was released.