A 69-year-old man was left in critical condition Wednesday after an assault near his heavily decorated home in Escondido, California, with a 32-year-old suspect now facing attempted murder charges.

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

What Happened

The victim was transported to a trauma center where he remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit. A utility worker who witnessed the attack intervened to help restrain the suspect until police arrived on scene.

Butler fled the scene after the assault but was quickly located and arrested. The bystander who helped during the confrontation also sustained injuries.

Family’s Account and Possible Motive

The victim’s wife, Maria Garcia, told CBS 8 that she does not expect her husband to survive his injuries.