National Aquarium Employee Attacked

An employee of the National Aquarium in Baltimore is in the hospital after being assaulted on his way to work Tuesday morning. Two of his fellow employees found him and called for help.

Police said the victim is in serious condition after undergoing surgery. He was walking through Pratt and High streets across from Little Italy in east Baltimore on his way to work.

"So unfortunately we're talking about an incident where a gentleman was just trying to go to work," Baltimore City police Lt. Jarron Jackson said.

Some of his coworkers found him in the street and rushed to a nearby hospital. He had to undergo surgery for the slash across his arm.

Police said the assault happened around 7:20 a.m. on Gramby Street just blocks away from his job.

"When our officers arrived, they spoke with the victim who said after parking his car and walking toward his job he was approached by a suspect," Jackson said.

The victim told police the attacker announced a robbery.

"Our victim in this case told him he didn't have anything. That wasn't good enough for the suspect. A physical altercation ensued at which time, the suspect cut our victim across the arm. After the cutting, the suspect then went through the victim's pockets and stole personal property," Jackson said.

Aquarium executive vice president and chief operating officer Dale Schmidt released a statement Tuesday afternoon.

"We are saddened and deeply disturbed to hear about the attack on one of our employees early this morning. Our thoughts are with him, his family and everyone in the community affected by this incident. The safety and health of our staff, and visitors is a top priority, and Baltimore police are conducting a full investigation. We hope police are able to find the people responsible."

Police said they will talk to the victim again to get a better description of the suspect.