Cumberland County man shot in home invasion

Spokeswoman Debbie Tanna said that Patrick Paul Thomas, 25, and his wife were asleep in their bedroom when the intruder opened fire inside their 6220 Bethany Drive home around 2 a.m.

Thomas was shot several times, including once in the abdomen. He was in serious condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

The couple's two young children, who were home at the time, were not harmed.

Tanna did not say why investigators believe the home was targeted in the invasion and robbery. No suspects have been identified.

A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said she doesn't believe the home invasion was random. 

She said she has complained to the sheriff's office for years about vehicles coming and going from the house at all hours and suspects that the residents were dealing drugs.

Tanna would not confirm that speculation or say whether drugs had anything to do with the home invasion.

Thomas was convicted in 2006 of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods, according to state Division of Adult Correction records.