EVERETT — The family of Tulalip man credits a bystander for stopping the brutal assault of a 63-year-old man Monday morning as he was going into work.

Around 6 a.m. Monday, John Crolley was beginning his workday at Tulalip Public Works when two teenage boys approached him, acting like they needed help, said the victim’s daughter, Ashlynn Danielson. When Crolley looked at what they were pointing at, the suspects allegedly assaulted him.

“This has just gone too far. I just don’t understand,” Danielson said Wednesday.

Upon hearing the commotion, Danielson said a bystander used pepper spray on the suspects to stop the assault. The suspects did not attempt to steal anything during the assault, she said.

“If that individual hadn’t heard it and ran out, they could have killed him,” she said. “They could have killed my dad.”

First responders transported Crolley to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett for serious injuries. Crolley suffered a broken jaw and three broken ribs, alongside potential long-term eyesight and hearing concerns, Danielson said.

“I’m grateful that law enforcement arrived when they did,” she said.

In a written statement, Tulalip Tribal Chairwoman Teri Gobin said this incident was a shock to the community.

“This gentleman is an elder who married a Tulalip Tribal member and has lived and worked here most of his life,” Gobin said in the statement. “He is a kind, hardworking, and wonderful person.”

On Tuesday, both suspects appeared in Snohomish County Juvenile Court on charges of second-degree assault, among other charges, Gobin said.

“Community is what makes our tribe who we are,” Gobin said. “Acts like this fracture our people and affect us all.”

The Tulalip community has come forward with an outpouring of support for Crolley, who was discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home, Danielson said.

“They have been sharing the information, helping to share with others; this is not to be tolerated, attacking an elder,” she said. “Attacking one of our Tulalip employees, and that will not be tolerated.”

Tulalip is reviewing its facilities and procedures to ensure protection for employees, Gobin said.

Danielson encouraged individuals with information to contact or send an anonymous tip to the Tulalip Police Department.

“Nobody should be in fear of coming to work or getting out of their vehicle,” Danielson said.

Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com. X: @JennaMillikan