BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) — A man was shot by police after assaulting two people with a hatchet. It happened Saturday night in Middle River.

Tracey Leong has the latest on the investigation.

The suspect lived on Grovethorn Road. That’s where police tracked him down after he attacked the victims with a hatchet less than a mile away.

A gruesome crime with an unclear motive.

“We’re still trying to figure out why he attacked them with a hatchet,” said Baltimore County Police Cpl. John Wachter.

Two victims, a man and a woman, were sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police then tracked down the suspect, finding him inside the basement of his home in the 300 block of Grovethorn Road. He was clutching a large knife with self-inflicted cuts on his neck. That’s when an officer, fearing for her life, shot him.

The two victims live just a mile away from the suspect, but investigators say neither knew who he is.

The attack happened on the 200 block of Wampler Road, shocking neighbors who say this is typically a safe area.

“I’ve been here for two years. We haven’t had too much violence here. No shootings or anything,” said Michelle Cully.

But after this brutal attack, some say they’re fearful to leave their homes.

“Have me constantly now being really careful watching my kids and everyone I live with in the neighborhood,” Cully said.

“Usually everyone is out here in their front yards and whatnot and after something like this, who wants to walk down the street?” said Allen Weatherstine.

The suspect is in critical condition. Police are not releasing his identity at this time.

The police officer involved has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.