A 69-year-old man remained in critical condition Wednesday after being brutally attacked near his Escondido, California home, with authorities charging a 32-year-old suspect with attempted murder.

Escondido police responded to the assault in progress at 2:15 p.m. near East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street. Officers found the victim with severe injuries and arrested Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, who was held without bail at Vista Detention Facility in San Diego County.

What Happened

The victim was transported to a nearby trauma center, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit with life-threatening injuries. A utility worker who witnessed the attack intervened and helped restrain the suspect until police arrived at the scene.

Butler fled the area following the assault but was apprehended shortly after. The bystander who assisted during the confrontation also sustained injuries in the altercation.

Family Response

The victim’s wife, Maria Garcia, told CBS 8 that she does not expect her husband to survive. The family has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the attack.