Norwich — Police arrested a city man late Saturday afternoon after they say he tried to break into his ex-girlfriend’s home and then assaulted her when she came outside.

He was then restrained by several bystanders until police could arrive.

Nathaniel S. Harris, 41, 103 Prospect Street was charged with criminal attempt to commit home invasion, violation of a protective order, third-degree assault, second degree breach of peace and third-degree criminal mischief. He is being held on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to arraigned Monday in Norwich Superior Court.

Police said that at approximately 5:30 p.m. they received numerous 911 calls about a man assaulting a woman in the area of 124 Washington St.

Several callers reported a man assaulting a woman outside at the location. When they arrived, police found the bystanders restraining Harris.

They also located the woman who was taken to the William W. Backus Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police said the woman and witnesses told them that Harris had attempted to force his way into the woman’s home while she was inside. Harris then assaulted the woman when she came outside. That’s when witnesses intervened and restrained Harris.

Police said that at the time of the incident a protective order was in effect prohibiting Harris from having contact with the woman.