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

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

The Attack

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

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

Family’s Concerns

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.