Arrest Made in Connection to University of Wisconsin Student Assault
In a significant development, Madison resident Brandon A. Thompson, aged 26, has been apprehended on charges related to a harrowing sidewalk sexual assault that left a University of Wisconsin-Madison student with life-threatening injuries. Thompson faces multiple charges, including first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless injury, and strangulation, according to Madison police spokeswoman Alyssa Cains.
The Madison Police Department’s Chief, Shon Barnes, revealed that Thompson’s arrest stemmed from a routine traffic stop conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department at 1:18 a.m. on Wednesday morning, initially triggered by a registration violation. Shortly thereafter, Thompson was taken into custody.
Crucially, body-worn camera footage provided by the Fitchburg Police Department corroborated Thompson’s involvement as the driver of the vehicle fleeing the scene following the alleged assault. Furthermore, his attire matched surveillance video evidence near the location of the incident. A witness also disclosed that Thompson had claimed to have merely stumbled upon the victim and was “pretending to be an innocent bystander.”
Notably, investigators determined that there was no prior connection between the suspect and the victim in this distressing case.
The victim was discovered by Madison police officers at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, her injuries necessitating immediate transport to a local hospital. During a subsequent Wednesday press conference, no updates were provided regarding her current condition. A friend of the victim reported that she sustained a broken jaw and suffered from strangulation, sexual assault, and physical assault.
University of Wisconsin Police Department Chief Roman and Dean of Students Christina Olstad issued a statement expressing their satisfaction with the arrest, underscoring their gratitude for the Madison Police Department’s efforts and the support of the community. Their primary concern remains the well-being of the injured student and her path to recovery.
In the wake of this incident, authorities have increased patrols in the area to bolster the safety of the university’s students.
Stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing investigation.