An intoxicated man suffered a broken nose and jaw as a result of a fight with another man downtown early Saturday morning, according to Madison police.

The incident occurred on the 400 block of West Dayton Street at 2:44 a.m., according to a Madison Police Department statement.

MPD Spokesperson Joel DeSpain said the victim had difficulty recalling the details of the fight, but a witness was present and was able to identify the suspect as a 25-30 year-old male.

DeSpain said the witness told police it was a one-on-one fight with both men throwing punches, but the victim did not land any.

“The witness told police they chose to intervene after the suspect continually punched the victim in the head,” DeSpain said.

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said it was unusual for a fight like this to happen on the 400 block of West Dayton Street because it is entirely residential. He said typically this type of situation occurs outside bars on State Street, University Avenue and other side streets close to popular bars.

Verveer said since the victim suffered serious injuries as a result of the fight, the crime would be considered substantial battery.

“The perpetrator needs to be brought to justice,” Verveer said. “I hope that someone will find the man and an arrest will be made.”

He said intervening physically between two people fighting is dangerous and to let professionals handle the situation by calling 911 immediately. He added, however, in this fight, the situation could have been much worse had the witness not intervened as the victim was unable to defend himself.