Chino student in critical condition after hammer attack

A 16-year-old Chino High School student was in critical condition after he was struck in the head with a hammer by a 48-year-old attacker across the street from the campus, police said Thursday.

The attack Thursday afternoon forced officials to lock down the campus and a nearby elementary school until police apprehended a suspect.

Gregory U. Richmond, who lives in Chino, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, according to Chino Police Department officials.

Police said the victim was taken by a helicopter to a hospital after the incident was reported about 1:15 p.m. It was unclear if Richmond knew the victim. Police said investigators had not determined what prompted the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (909) 628-1234

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robert.lopez@latimes.com