JUST IN: Police seek help identifying suspect after 73-year-old shot in West Falls Church

(Updated at 11:40 a.m.) Police say they’re looking for help after a shooter tried to rob and then attacked a man this morning in West Falls Church.

The 73-year-old man was on his way to work about 5:20 a.m. when he was shot in the chest, taken by police to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and had surgery completed that morning, police said.

The man stopped by an ATM to get cash when a young man attacked him. A passing cyclist noticed the victim in the parking lot around 6:14 a.m., and officers later responded to the 2900 block of Annandale Road.

Police closed Jefferson Avenue from Annandale Road to Madison Place and told people to avoid the area.

Police are releasing surveillance footage, and FCPD Chief Kevin Davis shared information on the attack during a news conference that streamed on Facebook.

Officers on scene of a shot person in the 2900 block of Annandale Rd. Adult male taken to hospital w/ life threatening injuries. Jefferson Ave closed from Annandale Rd to Madison Pl for investigation. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/6KrYSGYc9j

— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) October 20, 2021

Davis said the gunman was a young man with distinctive tennis shoes and backpack who attempted to rob a 73-year-old victim.

“It’s despicable to even say,” Davis said.

The chief added the community is praying that the victim will survive, noting despite the emergency surgery, he’s still in very critical condition.

“We will leave no stone unturned to identify and capture this coward who shot a vulnerable senior citizen at an ATM machine this morning,” Davis said.

It’s unclear how the suspect fled the scene.

Police are urging the public to call 1-866-411-TIPS.