ALLIANCE - Police arrested a 19-year-old Alliance man early Thursday after officers responded to reports of a violent assault at a residence on East 6th Street, according to the Alliance Police Department.

Officers were dispatched around 4:04 a.m. to 414 E. 6th St., where callers reported a male acting violently and assaulting multiple people. While en route, police located an assault victim in the 500 block of Yellowstone Avenue who had contacted EMS after being punched in the face. The victim had dried blood on his face and shirt and suffered fresh lacerations. He directed officers to the 6th Street address where the suspect, David Whipple, was reportedly located.

Police say two other victims fled the scene and have not come forward.

When officers arrived, Whipple’s mother told them her son had attempted to fight three individuals who left before police arrived. She tried to let officers inside but discovered Whipple had locked the door and refused to open it.

Officers eventually gained entry and found Whipple hiding under a mattress in the living room. Officers reported Whipple appeared highly intoxicated, registering a .214 blood alcohol content on a preliminary breath test. Whipple also told officers he was currently on probation, which was confirmed through state records.

Police say Whipple has multiple prior arrests this year, including three for minor in possession and one for assault.

“Our officers responded quickly and professionally to a volatile and dangerous situation,” Police Chief David Leavitt said in a statement. “Violence in our community will not be tolerated, and our department remains committed to protecting the safety of our residents through firm and fair enforcement of the law.”

Whipple was booked into the Box Butte County Jail on charges of third-degree assault, minor in possession and obstructing a peace officer. He is being held on a $10,000 bond.