BENNINGTON -- Police took a man into custody Monday afternoon after he allegedly struck another man in the head with a metal pipe.

Bennington Police Cpl. Christopher Lauzon said police responded to the Cumberland Farms gas station and convenience store because of a fight. He said multiple witnesses saw the attack and provided police with statements.

Bennington Police Lt. Lloyd Dean said 29-year-old Ian Wright, of Bennington, is being held on $10,000 bail for a charge of aggravated assault and attempted aggravated assault. He is expected to be arraigned today in Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division.

Dean said the victim, 24-year-old Scott McConnell, of Bennington, went to Cumberland Farms to speak with a woman. McConnell left the store, but returned when he saw the woman talking to Wright.

Dean said the Wright and McConnell exchanged words outside the store near the dumpster before McConnell "slapped" Wright's car. Wright then retrieved a 21-inch metal pipe from his vehicle and struck McConnell at least once in the head. Wright also allegedly attempted to assault McConnell's brother.

Wright then drove away in his car heading north on Northside Drive. Dean said officers were able to track down Wright on Morse Road where he was arrested. The pipe was seized as evidence, Dean said.

McConnell was transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center with a non-life-threatening head wound. He was alert and conscious and speaking with police, Dean said.

The Bennington Rural Fire Department was called to the scene to help clean blood from the store's paved parking lot area.

-- Neal Goswami