FRANKLIN
On Saturday, Aug. 21, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a malicious wounding event occurred at the New Dixie Mart Exxon, 1500 Armory Drive.

According to Capt. Tim Whitt of the Franklin Police Department, a 71-year-old Blacksburg resident visiting Franklin was attacked in the parking lot. While he was vacuuming his car, he was approached from behind and struck with an unknown object.

The victim sustained an injury to his face and he was transported to the Southampton Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was then transferred to the Medical College of Virginia Hospital.

Police have developed a suspect in relation to the attack, and the investigation is ongoing.