A witness reported intervening in the attack at a homeless camp between Everett and Mill Creek.

EVERETT — A man was attacked with a machete at a homeless camp a week ago, receiving more than a half dozen blows and suffering a compound fracture to his left arm and cut tendons in his right arm.

A witness who came to his defense might have saved his life, according to court papers.

The incident occurred the morning of June 22 on a wooded lot a few blocks south of 128th Street SE off Third Avenue SE between Everett and Mill Creek.

Before being attacked, the man, 42, was standing at his work bench that was dug into a bank. He’d been leveling a floor for his tent, which shared a common area with other tents.

The suspect, who lived in a separate location in the area, stopped by, asked for a cigarette and chatted for a while, a witness told police. A machete had been on the work bench.

Shortly after the witness entered his tent, he heard the man at the work bench cry out. He emerged from his tent to see the suspect striking the man with the machete “over and over,” court papers said. He’d heard no arguments.

The witness picked up a shovel and yelled, which prompted the suspect to leave with the machete and a hammer. He then tended to the man’s injuries and helped him to a nearby construction site, where medics arrived. He was taken to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett where he required surgery for slash wounds to his head, arms and body. He is expected to live.

The suspect, 57, remains in the Snohomish County Jail on $100,000 bail. He was arrested for investigation of first-degree assault.

Detectives were told that the suspect has a heroin addiction and mental health issues, court papers said.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.