An elderly woman was in intensive care Monday night after suffering a beating from her own grandson, Exeter Township Police said.  The victim was hit in the head several times with her walking cane.

The daughter of the victim, who is also the mother of the man police said is responsible for the assault, said they all lived together. She added when she found her mother she thought she was dead.

Helen Badulak, 74,  was profiled on WFMZ 6 years ago for her artistic ability, but Monday morning's assault left her fingers and wrist broken as she tried to defend herself.

"She was able to call 911," said District Attorney John Adams, "She was able to identify the assailant who was her grandson."

Exeter Township Police arrested Michael McDaniel, 30, early Monday morning.  Police said there were two 911 calls that brought them to the home on Oley Turnpike Road.

"During this incident the grandson also called in and admitted to the 911 center that he assaulted his grandmother," said Adams.

Police said during that phone call McDaniel also asked for police to shoot him.

"We do believe this individual suffers from serious mental health issues," said Adams.

Police said Badulak also told dispatchers McDaniel claimed he killed his parents. But when they arrived McDaniel's parents were not hurt and he surrendered peacefully.

"He will be charged with criminal attempt homicide, criminal attempt first and third degree murder, aggravated assault and other related charges," said Adams.

McDaniel's mother, Nina, was not available to speak on camera, but said her son suffers from chronic paranoid schizophrenia and has never been violent in the past.  She said she didn't think her mother was at risk.

Nina McDaniel said her mother is in a lot of pain, but she is breathing on her own and has no skull fractures.

McDaniel was arraigned and he was sent to Berks County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

He is charged with attempted homicide, attempted first degree murder, aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.