MPD seeks information on campus-area incidents

Madison police are investigating two recent incidents in the area of North Brooks Street and are seeking information from the campus community.

In the first incident, a 19-year-old woman was walking on North Brooks Street between Fahrenbrook Court and Spring Street at 10:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 when she was approached by two men.

She said one of the men pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. Both men reportedly fled south on North Brooks Street after the victim was able to free herself by kneeing the attacker in the groin. The victim reported the assault to police on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Both men are described as white, age 20, 6-feet-tall, 180 pounds, with short brown hair. One has a muscular build and was wearing a black or blue V-neck T-shirt and blue jeans. The other was wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

In the second incident, a 19-year old Madison man was riding on his longboard, heading south on N. Brooks St. near Fahrenbrook Ct., around 10:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 when he spotted a group of young men standing near the road. As he tried to pass, one pushed him from behind causing him to lose his balance. He fell and his head hit pavement, knocking him out.

When he regained consciousness, his wallet was outside of his pants and his money was gone. The victim was treated at a hospital for a chipped tooth, facial and hand injuries.

The suspect are described as male, white, 20-25 years old, 6’2″, clean cut, wearing khaki shorts and a colored shirt.

A victim is never at fault, but especially in the early days of the semester, consider the following personal safety information:

–Everyone has the right to safely live and work in the Madison community. Respect one another and know that acts of violence have consequences.

–Watch out for your friends and neighbors, and take care of one another. Make sure everyone gets home safely.

–Always walk with a group of friends, especially at night.

–If you intend to drink, do so in moderation so as not to put yourself in a position of increased risk.

–Always maintain situational awareness – know where you are and the environment you are in.  

–Trust your senses. If your surroundings feel unsafe, attempt to avoid. Locate other pedestrians nearby or move out of the area.

–Make use of SAFE Nighttime Services, (608) 262-5000, http://transportation.wisc.edu/transportation/safeservices.aspx

–Learn more about local self-defense classes: http://www.danecountyrcc.org/chimera/

–Sign up for WiscAlerts text messages at http://go.wisc.edu/wiscalerts

If you have information on these crimes, call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 266-6014. If you are a victim of a crime, call (608) 264-COPS or 911 immediately.