A 72-year-old Bainbridge Island man was arrested late last week for allegedly assaulting a Bainbridge police officer outside an island restaurant.

Police were called to a report of a fight in progress in the parking lot next to Sawatdy Thai Cuisine on Fletcher Bay Road at about 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 16.

Bainbridge Police Chief Matthew Hamner said 911 dispatchers were called about a fight in progress between a man and a restaurant employee.

Two men were exchanging blows — the 72-year-old and a person from the restaurant, believed to be in his 60s — but the fight had concluded when police arrived.

When an officer went to contact the 72-year-old, however, he swung at the officer.

The officer was struck on the body, not the head, and was able to quickly restrain the belligerent man.

“The officer was not injured; he was able to get him on the ground get him cuffed and arrested,” Hamner said.

The 72-year-old was arrested for assault and booked into the Kitsap County Jail. The case has been forwarded to the county prosecutor.

What prompted the fight was not immediately clear.

“We do believe that alcohol was a factor,” Hamner said.

The man was trespassed from the restaurant and told not to return.

The 72-year-old was not injured while resisting police, and Hamner said the officer used minimal force in getting the man under control.

“I think my officer used really good restraint, which is sometimes hard to do,” Hamner said, when an officer is being subject to a physical assault and is trying to protect himself or herself from harm.