ALEXANDRIA, Va. — An Alexandria police officer responding to a report of someone vandalizing cars in the heart of Old Town is in serious condition after she was struck on the head by a “hard object” Wednesday, police said. “She received serious injuries, and in fear of her life, she drew her service weapon and fired at the suspect,” said Deputy Chief Shahram Fard at a morning news conference. The shot she fired after the assault did not strike anyone. Fard said the 34-year-old officer, who has one year on the job, was the first on the scene at St. Asaph and King streets. Other officers arriving arrested the suspect, who has not been named.  

UPDATE: APD Deputy Chief @sfardAPD briefs media on officer involved shooting. Suspect in custody. The Ofc, 34-yr-old female, in hospital. pic.twitter.com/ePcjNyhLlV

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) July 12, 2017

It is not known how many vehicles were damaged during the vandalism spree. Fard said police are examining evidence on the scene and are interviewing witnesses. Anyone who saw anything is asked to call 703-746-6689. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein contributed to this report.