(PatriotWise.com) — Authorities in Madison, Wisconsin, have apprehended a 26-year-old individual, Brandon A. Thompson, in relation to a severe assault incident involving a University of Wisconsin-Madison student. The incident took place on a sidewalk early Sunday morning.
Thompson, a Madison resident, has been charged with first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless injury, and strangulation, as shared by Madison police spokesperson Alyssa Cains.
Officers discovered the injured student at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, not far from Lake Monona. She was promptly taken to the hospital due to the seriousness of her injuries.
At approximately 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, Thompson was stopped by the Fitchburg Police Department for a registration discrepancy. The encounter, including Thompson, was recorded using a body camera. The footage verified Thompson as the driver and displayed his attire that morning.
Public cameras in downtown Madison later captured Thompson tailing the victim just moments before the assault. His outfit matched what he wore during the Fitchburg stop.
As officers arrived at the scene, a witness identified Thompson as being present. In feigning innocence, Thompson told the witness he had stumbled upon the injured lady nearby.
Even when requested by the witness, Thompson chose not to remain at the scene. He soon went back to his car and exited the downtown vicinity.
Since they were notified, a team comprising officers, detectives, investigators, commanders, and administrative staff has meticulously pieced together the evidence.
Several members of the community and local business owners provided vital security footage, which became instrumental in facilitating this arrest.
Initial information suggested that the assailant was unknown to the victim. A close acquaintance of the victim shared with WISN-TV in Milwaukee that she had sustained a fractured jaw and showed signs of strangulation, assault, and sexual abuse. A resident indicated she had been pulled off the sidewalk and taken between two homes.
For safety reasons, the police have advised residents to be cautious when walking in the vicinity, particularly at night, and to remain vigilant.
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