A Mercer man is facing charges in connection with a drive-by shooting that seriously injured a 7-year-old Waterville girl.

Waterville Police told the Kennebec Journal that 18-year-old Gavin Loabe was allegedly with a person who shot into the Summer Street apartment house, where 7-year-old Emahleeah Frost was sitting in her bedroom. The bullet hit Frost, sending her to the hospital with serious injuries. She has since been released from the hospital, but must wear a back and neck brace for the pain.

The name of Loabe's accomplice has not been released, but court documents indicate the men were looking for a 'Mr. Vigue' at the apartment house, over an alleged proposition to Loabe's girlfriend. Police say there is no indication that there was anyone named Vigue at the building during the shooting.

Loabe was originally charged with attempted murder, but that charge was reduced, in court, to aggravated assault. His defense attorney disputes the current charge, as well, stating that there's no proof the driver of his father's car (Loabe) had any knowledge that a shooting was about to take place. Loabe is currently being held at the Kennebec County Jail, unable to make his $5,000 bail.

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