Man with hammer attacks several victims in The Shops at Mark Center

Alexandria police are trying to determine what led to a bizarre attack last night during the frigid temps that left several persons injured including the perpetrator who was last reported in critical condition.

It started just before 10:50 p.m. in The Shops at Mark Center (1458 N Beauregard Street) on North Beauregard Street at Reading Avenue. That’s where police received calls for help reporting that a man with a hammer entered the CVS and attacked several employees before he headed for the nearby McDonald’s.

Police said on Twitter that a suspect was taken into custody, but early this morning police were still searching for witnesses and evidence. Fairfax County police sent the county’s helicopter and a k9 to assist with the search.

Notification:: There is a heavy police presence near Beauregard St. and Reading Ave. This is in response to an assault on multiple victims from an unknown suspect. The suspect is in custody, Police are canvassing the area for witnesses and evidence. FFX Helicopter is assisting. pic.twitter.com/pEitXrudZa

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) January 12, 2022

After briefly reviewing the surveillance video, police determined that the suspect appeared to be a man in his 30s wielding a hammer wearing a blue hoodie and gray shorts covered with blood. Officers found him in the 5800 block of Merton Court with a severe head injury.

In addition to the suspect, EMS crews responded to assist at least two others who had been injured in the melee.