Elderly Man Beaten with Hammer at Eleven Slade

An 80-year-old resident of the apartment building was hospitalized Monday after an armed robber beat him with a hammer and stole his keys. The victim continued to be evaluated on Wednesday, according to a Sinai Hospital spokesman.

The beating took place at about 7:50 p.m., Monday inside the apartment building, located at 11 Slade Ave., in Pikesville, according to Lt. Jay Landsman of the .

After arriving home, the man parked his car in the lot at the side of the building and entered a stairwell on the side of the building, police spokeswoman Det. Cathy Batton said.

Inside the stairwell, a man asked the victim for money. When the elderly man refused, the suspect "struck him on the head and the left arm with the round end of a hammer," Batton said, reading from a report.

Since the suspect stole the victim's car keys, the crime also considered an armed robbery, she said.

"The victim was able to make his way into the lobby of the building and ask someone to call police for him," Batton said.

The victim was taken to Sinai Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police searched with patrol, air and canine units, but did not find the robber, she said. Detectives have been canvassing the area, seeking witnesses and information and collecting evidence, she said.

"We are increasing patrols in the area. We've met with community members, and investigators are working all possible leads," Landsman said.

Police ask anyone with information to call the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-307-2020. Those with information can submit a tip through the Metro Crime Stoppers website, or call 866-756-2587. Someone suppling information leading to an arrest or indictment would be eligible for an award of up to $2,000, Batton said.

To text a message to Metro Crime Stoppers, send to "CRIMES" (274637), then enter the message starting with "MCS."