Police: Crystal City Business Owner Attacked

A Crystal City business owner was attacked on his way to work Monday morning, but managed to hold on to his briefcase, which contained about $1,000 in cash, according to information police released today.

The man parked in a garage in the 2400 block of South Crystal Drive early Monday. At about 5 a.m., he was attacked by a man wearing all black and a black ski mask.

"He didn't see anybody, didn't hear anybody, and he was hit in the back of head with something as he was coming up the stairwell," police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said. "He held on to that briefcase with a good grip."

Though the assailant tried to take the briefcase, it is unclear whether the businessman was specifically targeted, Sternbeck said.

After the struggle, the suspect ran away and the victim alerted a security guard. The attacker is described as approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds.

The victim suffered a lump on the back of his head, but refused transport to a hospital, Sternbeck said.