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Annapolis Man Arrested After He's Accused Of Attacking His Mother With A Hammer

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)— Violently attacked by her own son. That's what police say happened to an Annapolis woman who is now recovering at Shock Trauma.

Andrea Fujii was in the victim's neighborhood, where people are stunned.

Friends say it's upsetting enough that the 61-year-old woman was hurt by her son but now they're finding out she was attacked with a hammer.

People on Hazel Nut Court in Cape St. Claire say they've never seen so much activity on their quiet street. Police say Robert Benscoter, 33, disrupted that tranquility after he attacked his mother with a hammer Tuesday night.

"There was some sort of dispute inside the home with her and her 33-year-old son. Things escalated, resulting in a violent attack," said Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County Police.

It was in a townhome---where no one answered---that police say she was hit in the head and torso and managed to walk next door for help.

"It's a sad thing because she is a nice lady and nobody deserves to be treated that way," said one neighbor.

Most neighbors didn't want to be on camera but say they saw the son run behind the home. Police searched for about an hour and a half in a wooded area with a helicopter and search dog and finally found him.

Neighbors say the victim is a single mother. Her son, who has no criminal record in Maryland, occasionally lived with her. Friends are relieved she survived but now worry for her future.

"I think it's very sad that not only did she have to recuperate but she has to deal with the fact that it's her son," a neighbor said.

Benscoter faces several charges including attempted second-degree murder and assault.

The woman is in serious but stable condition.

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