ROYAL CITY - Officials are searching for a 20-year-old Royal City man who allegedly inflicted severe head wounds to his girlfriend Monday morning.

Grant County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 14000 block of Crook Loop Southwest outside of Royal City for a report of domestic violence around 2:30 a.m. Monday.

They found a 17-year-old girl with what officials described as "severe head wounds."

Both she and other witnesses were able to identify Wilmer S. Guerrero, 20, as the person responsible for the assault. The man allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle prior to law enforcement's arrival. The vehicle was recovered a few blocks from the scene, but Guerrero remains at large.

Officials spent hours on the scene investigating this crime, Grant County Chief Deputy Ryan Rectenwald said. Based on initial evidence, Guerrero could be facing first-degree assault charges, the deputy said.

The sheriff's office warns that citizens should not try to apprehend Guerrero and should call police instead. Anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us.

Tipsters may remain anonymous.