Five arrested for attacking stranger near downtown Madison

A man was attacked after stopping a group of people from harassing an unhoused individual.

Officers were dispatched to the intersection of N. Carroll St. at W. Washington Ave. around 12:40 a.m. on Wednesday. They arrived to find a victim bleeding and suffering from several other injuries. 

The victim stepped in after a group of men surrounded the unhoused person. He said the men then began punching and kicking him repeatedly. One suspect also placed him in a chokehold. The victim was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

The suspects left the area before police arrived, but the incident was caught on public space cameras. Officers reviewed this digital evidence as part of their response. A witness was also able to provide police with a photo of the suspect's vehicle.

Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on this vehicle near E. Washington Ave. and East Springs Dr. All five suspects were detained.

Riley Joseph, 18, was arrested for disorderly conduct, substantial battery, and strangulation.

Aaron W. Burr, Bryce A. King, and Tanner M. Cox, all 18, were arrested for disorderly conduct and substantial battery.

Dylan J. Vail, 21, was arrested for disorderly conduct and party to a crime substantial battery.

All the suspects were taken to the Dane County Jail.