Local and state police are investigating an early morning home invasion and shooting that injured two people in a quiet Saco neighborhood.

The home invasion at 25 Hillview Ave. was reported to police at 2:47 a.m. The person suspected of shooting the male homeowner and a house guest had fled before officers arrived, said Saco Police Chief Brad Paul.

Steven Chabot and his wife, Carol, were confronted by an armed intuder and sought refuge in separate rooms, according to Paul. Steve Chabot, who was able to call 911, was struck by multiple bullets, while Carol Chabot hid underneath furniture and was not harmed. Another person in the house, Rachel M. Owens, 55, of Londonderry, New Hampshire, was staying at the house and also suffered from multiple gunshot wounds, while trying to avoid the intruder in a separate bedroom, according to Paul.

Paul said one person is in custody for questioning in Londonderry, New Hampshire, but is not under arrest. He declined to provide any other details about the person or circumstances leading to that person being held by police.

“This is something that is very much in flux right now,” he said.

Both shooting victims were taken to Maine Medical Center, where they underwent surgery. Paul would not provide updates on their condition.

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Paul also would not characterize the relationship of the house guest to the homeowners or speculate on why the house was targeted.

“The people who reside in the home have no connection to the type of things people would think would lead to a home invasion,” Paul said when asked if there were drugs or valuables in the home.

Paul said he believes this was not a random incident.

“We do not believe there is any threat to the greater Saco community,” he said. “We do not feel this was a random home invasion.”

Paul said there is no connection between the home invasion and a Thursday morning threat at nearby Thornton Academy.

Neighbors out walking their dogs Thursday morning said they did not hear the shooting and were surprised it happened in their neighborhood.

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“I was a nervous wreck,” neighbor Natalie Farias said of waking up to find out about the shooting next door. “This is the type of neighborhood where people don’t lock their doors.”

The Chabots, who have lived in the neighborhood for many years, are known for meticulously maintaining their home, neighbors said. Wreaths and a garland surround the front door, and a Christmas tree can be seen in the front window.

Farias said the Chabots take pride in their home, with Steven Chabot often immersed in home improvement projects. Both recently retired, neighbors said.

Shortly before 10 a.m., three state police investigators were photographing evidence under a window on the side of the home.

Gillian Graham can be contacted at 791-6315 or at:

ggraham@pressherald.com

Twitter: grahamgillian


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