A Portland woman was accidentally shot in the face Thursday night by a homeowner in Scarborough who was investigating an argument between two men who were in his driveway, authorities said Friday.

Scarborough police were called to a home on Running Hill Road about 9:45 p.m. Thursday and found Carol Dorney, 47, lying in the driveway with a gunshot wound to her mouth. She was taken by ambulance to Maine Medical Center in Portland and remained in intensive care Friday. Scarborough police Detective Sgt. Rick Rouse said Dorney is expected to survive.

Four other people who were at the home – the men who were fighting, another woman and the homeowner – were detained, questioned and then released, Rouse said. He would not identify any of those people because they have not been charged with any crimes.

The house is owned by Harold and Riva Elliott, according to Scarborough assessing records.

Rouse said the incident began when two men argued about a truck while standing in the driveway of the home on Running Hill Road. The homeowner heard the voices and went outside to investigate, bringing a .22-caliber handgun with him. He told police he thought he heard someone say, “I’ll kill you.”

At some point, Rouse said, the homeowner fumbled with the gun while trying to load it, and it fired. A bullet hit Dorney.

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Rouse said the homeowner knew the people involved but did not know who they were when he came out of his house with the gun.

Rouse said the shooting appears to be accidental and he doesn’t expect charges to be filed against the homeowner, but the incident is still under investigation and will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office. He said police hope to interview Dorney at the hospital soon.

Attempts to reach the homeowners were unsuccessful. “No trespassing” signs were posted at the home late Friday morning.

Eric Russell can be contacted at 791-6344 or at:

erussell@pressherald.com

Twitter: @PPHEricRussell


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