Mercer man sentenced for shooting 7-year old girl in Waterville

MERCER, Maine (WABI) - A Mercer man who admitted his involvement in a drive-by shooting that injured a 7-year old girl in Waterville was sentenced on Wednesday.

Nineteen-year old Gavin Loabe was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Loabe pleaded guilty last month to felony assault.

Authorities say he fired the shot that hit the young girl last year while she was in her bedroom.

She was hospitalized for her injuries.

Attorneys in the case say Loabe shot at the residence because he mistakenly thought someone else lived there.

Loabe addressed the court Wednesday morning.

“I want to say I am sorry to Emily and her family and also to my family who has to do this time with me they deserve so much better. I can’t imagine the embarrassment I have caused them. I am sorry for hurting your little girl, from the bottom of my heart I am,” Loabe said.

At last report, the girl was on the road to recovery but still feels pain from the bullet wounds.

In addition to his prison sentence, Loabe will serve four years probation following his release.

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