Former wrestler arrested in Novato attack on 80-year-old man

San Francisco police are investigating separate stabbings over the weekend in the Mission District and Chinatown that left two men wounded, including one with life-threatening injuries. San Francisco police are investigating separate stabbings over the weekend in the Mission District and Chinatown that left two men wounded, including one with life-threatening injuries. Photo: Spencer Platt / Getty Image, Getty Image Photo: Spencer Platt / Getty Image, Getty Image Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Former wrestler arrested in Novato attack on 80-year-old man 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A 230-pound former high school wrestler was arrested in Novato after he allegedly assaulted and tried to rape an 80-year-old man he is acquainted with in the front yard of a house, authorities said Tuesday.

The victim suffered critical injuries in the incident just after 2 p.m. Sunday on the 100 block of Joan Avenue, said Sgt. Jennifer Dunlap, a police spokeswoman.

Police responded to the house on reports that two people were fighting outside, said Dunlap. Arriving officers believe the suspect, later identified as Anton Scherba, 27, of Novato, attacked the victim. A neighbor witnessed the incident, police said, and restrained Scherba to prevent further injuries to the elderly victim.

Scherba and the victim were both hurt and taken to Marin General Hospital. Scherba was treated and released to police, who booked him into Marin County Jail. The victim, who was not identified, remained hospitalized Tuesday in critical condition, Dunlap said.

An investigation into the attack is ongoing, Dunlap said, but it appeared that Scherba may have been suffering from mental health issues.

Scherba, a former wrestler at Marin Catholic High School who went on to attend Stanford University, is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail on suspicion of elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted rape, according to online records.

Kale Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kwilliams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfkale