Andray Blatche, a rookie player for the Washington Wizards, was shot in Alexandria on Sunday morning. Blatche, 19, who lives in Alexandria, was driving with two friends in the early morning hours when police say they were being followed by a light-colored van.
When they stopped in the 5100 block of Knapp Place, two suspects got out of the van and approached the car. Police say that one of the suspects shot Blatche and then fled. Police and medics responded to the scene at 6:13 a.m., and Blatche was taken by helicopter to Inova Alexandria Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
"We're investigating this as a possible carjacking attempt," said Amy Bertsch, a public information officer with the Alexandria Police Department. "We're still investigating the crime, and we have not identified any suspects or made any arrests yet."
Alexandria detectives describe the suspects as black males wearing masks. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Alexandria police at 703-838-4444.
"Andray has been released from the hospital," said Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld in a statement that appeared on the team's Web site. "He is doing very well and we are very encouraged by his progress."