New London - State police on Thursday arrested a man who they say attacked two people May 19 inside a Denison Avenue apartment.

Dennis Higgins, 48, was arrested in North Windham and brought to Troop E in Montville. He is scheduled to appear in court today on charges of two counts of second-degree assault and one count of interfering with an emergency call.

New London police said that during a round of drinking, Higgins became upset with one of the tenants and stabbed him in the back and shoulder numerous times with a screwdriver. Other people inside apartment pulled Higgins away from the victim and tried to call 911.

Police said Higgins then hit the 911 caller in the head a couple of times with a hammer. The first victim ran from the apartment to escape from Higgins. Higgins left the apartment before police arrived.

Both victims were treated and released from Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.