Town Official Attacked By Man With Shovel

A town official in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, was attacked by someone armed with a shovel Tuesday night, according to police.

Jay Simmons, 48, who is a member of the Fairhaven Housing Authority and the Fairhaven Conservation Commission, was treated at the scene and then taken to St. Luke’s Hospital. He was then transferred to Rhode Island Hospital.

Officials say he is in fair condition at last check.

Simmons told officials that he was shoveling snow in the area of 14 Oxford St. when a man approached with a shovel and asked if he needed help. When Simmons declined, the man repeatedly struck him with the shovel. The handle of the shovel broke during the attack.

Simmons was struck about 10 times during the attack.

The suspect fled in the area of Cherry Street, but has not yet been caught.

He is described as a man between 25 and 30-years-old, with dark hair, dark eyes and a faint mustache. He was wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt.