Naples boy shot in head

By Lisa Williams Ackley
Staff Writer

NAPLES — A 9-year-old boy, allegedly shot in the head with a pellet gun by his intoxicated uncle at their home on Lamb’s Mill Road here last week, was transported to Bridgton Hospital and then transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where his condition was listed as satisfactory Wednesday morning.

According to police, a pellet from a .177-caliber pellet gun lodged in the front of Gavin Gilmore’s brain, causing a lifethreatening injury.

The boy’s maternal uncle, 26- year-old Daniel McGill, allegedly told police he was shooting at squirrels in the backyard of his residence around 5:30 p.m. on May 19 when he accidentally shot young Gavin. McGill was arrested and charged with Class A elevated aggravated assault, Class C reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, Class D assault on a police officer and refusing to submit to arrest or detention. He was still being held at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland Wednesday morning with bail set at $250,000 single surety or $100,000 cash, according to an intake officer at the jail May 25.

McGill, who “appeared to be extremely intoxicated,” became combative with Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputy Sergeant Josh Potvin, as Potvin attempted to speak to McGill, according to Captain Jeff Davis.

“During the interview, Mr. McGill became confrontational with Potvin. Sgt. Potvin was in the process of attempting to locate the firearm with the assistance of McGill when McGill shoved Sgt. Potvin and attempted to retrieve the pellet gun. Sgt. Potvin became involved in a physical confrontation at this point,” Capt. Davis said. “During the confrontation, Sgt. Potvin sustained a laceration on his hand and Mr. McGill also sustained minor injuries to his facial area.”

Both men were treated at the scene by responding emergency medical personnel. It has been reported that the boy’s mother, 34-year-old Bevin Greer, was inside the residence at 409 Lamb’s Mill Road at the time of the incident and did not observe the shooting.