Hammer attack in Shaw’s Supermarket parking lot leaves 74-year-old man hospitalized, bystanders heroes

A reported hammer attack at a local supermarket has landed one man in the hospital, another man in custody, and bystanders possibly saving a life.

According to police, on Wednesday, East Providence Police were dispatched to the parking lot of Shaw’s Supermarket on Willett Avenue following a report of a disturbance involving a man with a hammer.

Once on scene, officers observed a 74-year-old East Providence man suffering from serious injuries to his head. Witnesses told officers that a male suspect attacked the victim with a hammer. Bystanders were able to wrestle the hammer away from the suspect to prevent further injury to the victim.

The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Kenneth Jackson, was located a short distance away and taken into custody without incident. Jackson, also of East Providence, was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

The victim was transported to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated for head injuries sustained in the attack. East Providence Police Detectives continue to investigate the reasons and events leading up to the assault.

The suspect is unknown to the victim.

Jackson was arraigned Thursday morning on the charges of Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault with Intent to Commit Specified Felonies (Attempted Murder), and Disorderly Conduct.

At last check, the victim was still being treated at Rhode Island Hospital.

Jackson was ordered held pending a mental health evaluation and competency hearing later this month.