The Edmonds Police Department reports that a 68-year-old Edmonds woman is in stable condition after being attacked by her husband early Wednesday at their Edmonds residence. EPD says the 73-year-old suspect began striking the victim with a hammer as she slept.

Authorities say the prolonged attack continued until the victim was able to escape to a neighbor’s residence and call 911 just after 5:15 a.m. The suspect had left the residence in a vehicle, according to EPD.

EPD says officers found a significant crime scene at the residence. The victim suffered multiple severe injuries including injuries to her head. EMS transported the victim to Swedish Medical Center where she was treated and released.

A Washington State Patrol trooper located the suspect’s abandoned vehicle along southbound Interstate 5 in Seattle. The trooper reportedly found a person matching the suspect’s description deceased on the ground below the Ship Canal Bridge where his vehicle had been left.

Authorities say initial information suggests the suspect fell from the bridge where his vehicle was located. There were no obvious signs of foul play, according to authorities.