Alexandria Dispatches: Officer Shot, Changes at Landmark Mall

Welcome to Alexandria Dispatches, a collection of this week's top stories you may have missed in West End Alexandria and surrounding communities.

West End Alexandria Patch:

'Remarkable' Officer Laboy Is Alive Following Shooting: Alexandria Police Officer Peter Laboy remains in critical condition, according to the chief medical officer attending him. He suffered a 'catastrophic gunshot wound to the head.'

Landmark Mall Redevelopment Plans Could Come in Spring: New town center will likely be built in multiple phases; mayor says Sears has been holdup.

Community College Plans Dorms for Alexandria Campus: Northern Virginia Community College officials plan to meet with West End residents to discuss project.

Alexandria Big Lots Holds Grand Opening (VIDEO): “Friends and Family” sale coming Sunday at the West End’s new discount store.

Old Town Alexandria Patch:

Officer Peter Laboy in Critical Condition After Shooting: The Alexandria resident allegedly was shot by Kashif Bashir, the driver of an Alexandria Yellow Cab minivan, during a routine traffic stop.

Former Alexandria Police Chief: Laboy a 'Fun Guy and Real Caring Individual': Former Alexandria police chief David Baker shares his thoughts of Officer Peter Laboy, who was shot in the head Wednesday in Old Town.

Folk Legend Pete Seeger Joins Alexandria Waterfront Debate: Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg reaches out to 93-year-old musician, receives letter opposing "modernized" waterfront.

Council OKs Prince Street Hotel: Carr Hospitality to build 109-room boutique lodge near King Street Metro Station.

Del Ray Patch:

Donations Accepted for Wounded Alexandria Police Officer: The Alexandria Police Association is accepting donations on behalf of the family of the Alexandria police officer who was shot.

City Manager Proposes $626.6 Million Operating Budget: The city's general manager said he considered a projected $30.5 million budget shortfall in this fiscal year 2014 plan

Charge Dropped Against MacArthur Student Arrested for Incident Involving a Toy Gun: Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Sengel says the incident can be "best handled" within Alexandria's school system.

Annandale Patch:

: Route 236 was blocked in both directions early Thursday morning following the crash. The driver of the pursued car died on scene. The injured officer is being treated in a local hospital. Police are asking for witnesses.

'Electrical Event' Ruled Cause of Accidental Annandale House Fire: The fire on Sunday afternoon caused an estimated $60,000 in damages to the home.

: Representatives from AT&T presented their plans for the cell tower, which would be located on the property of the Parklawn pool.