Man severely beaten in Fayetteville break-in; one arrested, two sought

Fayetteville police have arrested one man and are searching for two others in connection with an assault that happened in a home on Vista Drive. 

According to investigators, a man and woman went to 523 Vista Drive at about 6:15 p.m. Friday to collect personal belongings from the home, which is under construction due to a recent fire.

When the pair entered the home, they found three men inside, and the suspects immediately began assaulting the male victim. Police responded to the home after receiving a call about someone screaming inside.

The unidentified victim was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to UNC Hospitals, where he was listed in critical condition Saturday afternoon.

Fayetteville police arrested Alexander James Smith, 26, of 1412 Cobra Drive, Friday night. He is charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, felony breaking and entering and felony conspiracy. 

Smith was being held at the Cumberland County jail Saturday under a $500,000 secured bond.

Anyone who can help authorities the two remaining suspects should call the Fayetteville Police Department at 910-433-1856 or Crime Stoppers at 919-483-8477.