Car flipped, dozens arrested as large crowd takes part in Mifflin Street Block Party

MADISON, Wis. – One car was flipped over and another was severely damaged as thousands of people attended the Mifflin Street Block Party. 

People were packed shoulder to shoulder along the 400 and 500 blocks of Mifflin Street for much of Saturday. Commanders for the Madison Police Department said this was the largest year for the annual block party since the pandemic. Both blocks were shut down as a result of the crowds.

More than 150 officers worked the event, including members of the department’s Special Events Team, which receives additional training in crowd control. Mounted Patrol was also on hand to help with crowd control.

Officers reminded people of the city’s open container laws and monitored for overcrowding on porches and balconies. Several people climbed trees in the area and were helped down safely by officers.

Around 2:35 p.m., officers assisted as Madison Fire responded to 527 W. Mifflin Street after a front porch partially broke. The exact number of people on the porch is unknown at this time. No was injured, but the property was cordoned off for safety.

Around 2:40 p.m., officers were forced to clear the backyards for homes along the 500 block of Mifflin Street after a car was flipped over. No one was injured during this incident. Another car in the area was also damaged.

During this time, first responders were alerted to a downed power line, which was ultimately determined to be a low-voltage communications wire.

Crowds began to thin shortly after the backyards were cleared. Many other attendees left around 5:40 p.m. when rain moved into the area.

Roads reopened around 5:45 p.m.

Arrests

More than 80 people were arrested on Saturday, mainly for minor alcohol related offenses. Of those, six people were booked into the Dane County Jail.

Additional citations are possible and final numbers will be released next week.

Officer Injured

One officer, working a traffic post, suffered minor injuries after she was hit by a vehicle. She was walking around and alert when she was taken to the hospital by EMS to be checked out.

The driver involved remained at the scene. Upon further investigation, the driver received several citations.