NOVATO (CBS-SF) – The last thing Richard Williams expected when he started doing chores in the garage of his Novato home the day after Thanksgiving was that he would soon be in a life-and-death battle with a crazed squirrel.

The 87-year-old Williams said the squirrel that has been terrorizing the neighborhood slipped into the garage through an open door.

ALSO READ: Aggressive Squirrel Attacks Kindergarten Class In Novato

“He charged me and jumped, and from then on, the battle started,” he told KPIX CBS 5.

The squirrel turned Williams’ head, arm and legs bloody. It also smashed his glasses.

“He was really vicious. He was clawing and scratching,” he said. “I was trying to get him off. Every time I’d get him off, he’d jump back up again.”

ALSO READ: Lost Cat Reunites With Marin Couple After 8 Years

His 83-year-old wife, Norma, heard his screams and raced to his aid. When she saw her bloodied husband, she picked up a broom and joined the battle.

“I grabbed the broom, picked it up,” she said. “I guess I hit the squirrel with it.”

Still the attack continued.

“And then he jumped her,” Richard Williams said. “I was able to grab him by the tail, threw him on the garage floor and he seemed stunned.”

The squirrel then raced off and a neighbor came to the couple’s aid, bringing them to a hospital for treatment of their wounds.

Both were bandaged up and given dozens of shots including vaccines for rabies and tetanus.

The same squirrel is suspected of attacking five others in the last two weeks in the surrounding neighborhood including a teacher and student at Pleasant Valley Elementary.

Animal control officers have been patrolling the area, searching for the squirrel. Warning flyers have also been posted.