Chaos erupted in a quiet Apple Valley neighborhood Monday morning when deputies responding to an assault call were forced to fire on a septuagenarian wielding a gun and a knife. The suspect, identified as 71-year-old Thoren Rand of Apple Valley, reportedly inflicted severe injuries on a 69-year-old woman before being neutralized by law enforcement officials.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, the altercation took place around 8:23 a.m. in the 15200 block of Pocahontas Street. An injured woman made her way out of a residence only to be followed by Rand. Despite multiple orders to drop his weapons, Rand remained unyielding, leaving deputies with no choice but to engage.

The gunfire incident injured Rand, who was then rushed to the hospital, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department. The victim of the assault, whose identity remains confidential, was also hospitalized and is said to be in stable condition. Rand faces charges of attempted murder and is being held on a $1,000,000 bail while hospitalized under custody.

The exact circumstances leading up to the attempted murder and subsequent shootout are still under investigation. The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail is asking anyone with information to step forward. "Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com," details the statement from the Sheriff's department.