Man, 84, Attacked by Alligator in Backyard. How Wife Saved His Life – ryan

When a couple went to work in the garden at their South Carolina home, they were surprised by an alligator, which attacked the 84-year-old man. However, before things turned deadly, his wife jumped to his aid, saving his life with her swift actions, according to reports.

Joe Roeser was spreading mulch near a pond that was close to their house in Sun City when an alligator reached for him from the water, NBC Palm Springs, ABC News and WJCL 22 News reported. His wife, Marian Roeser, then struck the reptile with a tomato stake until her husband was free, according to the outlets.

“I just grabbed the closest thing I could find — a tomato stake — and started attacking the alligator’s eyes and head,” Marian said, according to a police report cited by ABC News. “I knew I had to do whatever it took to save my husband.”

“It does sound like they went for the eyes,” Lt. Danny Allen of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office told NBC Palm Springs. “His wife is a hero.”

A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office confirmed to PEOPLE the incident occurred on Wednesday, April 9, but could not provide further details.

In the 911 call obtained by WJCL, Marian can be heard telling the operator about the terrifying attack. “My husband’s just been attacked by an alligator,” she said on the call. “He’s bleeding everywhere. His leg is a mess.”

Later in the call, she said that the alligator had had her husband’s arm in its mouth, according to the outlet. Joe had “a horrible, horrible leg wound,” Marian told the operator.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Joe had bite wounds on his leg and abrasions on his head and was transported to a local hospital, but is expected to recover, the authorities told ABC News, which reported that the alligator has since been captured and euthanized.

The sheriff’s office warned that April and May is the peak season for potential attacks from alligators as they move and breed in the area, according to NBC Palm Springs. Allen told the outlet that people should “fight” if they’re ever attacked by one.

“Fight for your life. Aim for the eyes — but hit wherever you can,” he told NBC Palm Springs. “And if you see someone else in danger, call 911 right away.”