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Lowell man accused of breaking into home, violently beating resident

DRACUT, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A 45-year-old Lowell man was held on $250,000 cash bail Tuesday in the violent beating of a 58-year-old Dracut man.

Christopher Gagnon was arrested Tuesday and charged with armed assault to murder, armed assault in a dwelling, breaking and entering in daytime for a felony, putting a person in fear, armed robbery, and larceny of a motor vehicle.

Gagnon is accused of breaking into the victim's Sladen Street home on Monday to commit a robbery. He is accused of beating the victim before stealing his car.

Police responded to the home just before 3:30 p.m. to find the victim suffering from extensive injuries. He was transported to Lowell General Hospital before being flown via medical helicopter to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

The victim remained in critical condition Wednesday.

Investigators reportedly found the stolen car in Lowell along with evidence connecting Gagnon to the scene. They claim Gagnon was familiar with the home and targeted it.

Gagnon's bail was revoked at his arraignment Tuesday on an open case out of Essex County. His next court date is scheduled for March 25.