COLUMBIA, Md. -- An 83-year-old man is facing attempted murder and assault charges after allegedly hitting his wife with a hammer, according to Howard County police.

The victim, 81-year-old Alma Payne, called 911 at about 7:50 p.m. Monday to report that her husband, Calvin Ralph Payne, attacked her at their home in the 6200 block of Satinwood Drive in Columbia.

Responding officers found Alma Payne suffering from a severe head injury, police said. She was flown to Shock Trauma. She is in serious but stable condition.

Police said they found Calvin Payne at the home with blood on his clothes and hands. He was charged early Tuesday morning.

A search warrant was executed at the house overnight, and a hammer covered in blood was found in the master bedroom, police said.

The motive for the attack is unclear.