FRANKFORT — A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a privately owned vehicle from a school bus lot, according to Maine State Police. 

Frank Johnson, 54, has been charged with operating under the influence, operating after suspension, and unauthorized use of property following the morning run-in with State Police, which occurred just before 7 a.m. June 13. 

Johnson is accused of stealing a truck from a school bus driver who had left his vehicle at RSU 71’s School Bus Garage. 

Maine State Police Corporal Stephen Hills became aware of the theft while patrolling in Frankfort after he heard radio traffic between Waldo County Dispatch and Searsport Police inquiring whether any law enforcement was near Swan Lake Ave in Swanville. The Searsport officer was not in the area, prompting Hills to begin looking for the missing vehicle. 

Corporal Hills responded to the area via North Frankfort Road, where he crossed paths with the truck in question a short time later. Hills reportedly watched the vehicle as it passed and noticed it was operating erratically, which resulted in him initiating a traffic stop. 

Johnson was ultimately arrested and taken to Waldo County Jail. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com