A skateboarder who injured himself in a fall was mugged in a UW-Madison parking ramp by those offering to take him to the hospital, police reported.
Fallen skateboarder mugged in UW parking ramp, police say
Wisconsin State Journal
Category: Crime and safety
UW students who were pushed and spit on during recent biased incident share what happened
WKOW TV
UW-Madison freshman Synovia Knox still can’t believe what happened early Saturday morning at Sellery Hall. She and a group of friends had returned after grabbing some late night food and were met by her frustrated neighbor who started shouting profanities and racially charged comments.
UPDATE: Another bias incident being investigated on UW campus
WKOW TV
UW-Madison officials are investigating another instance of insensitivity at a campus dorm.
Three students say they were pushed and spit on at Sellery Hall over the weekend. Campus police say they do not consider it a hate crime right now, but they did give out a ticket for disorderly conduct.
MPD officers could be in mindfulness study
Channel3000.com
A possible pilot study would investigate the effects of mindfulness training on Madison police officers. MPD Chief Mike Koval says he’s working with the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin to plan the project to determine how mindfulness training affects a police officer’s physical and mental well-being.
UW investigates 3rd incident of discrimination on campus over last month
Channel3000.com
Faculty and University of Wisconsin police are looking into their third incident of discrimination on campus in the past month after a group of students were pushed and spit on in Sellery Hall. Synovia Knox and Francisco Velazquez were walking to their dorm room in Sellery Hall with two other women when they were confronted by another resident, who they say began yelling at them and said they didn’t belong because of economic status.
Third incident of discrimination in past week reported to university officials
Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison freshman Karie Le reported to university officials and took to social media Sunday to detail a Saturday night incident of discrimination, which is now the third incident of bias to be reported in the last week.
Le, who is Vietnamese, said she was spat on by a middle-aged white man outside of the Student Activity Center at around 7 p.m. Saturday night. The man then told her to return to China, and the roughly five other men he was with laughed at Le.
UW-Madison investigating incident of discrimination where three students were spat on, pushed
Daily Cardinal
University Housing is leading an investigation into an incident of discrimination that occurred early Saturday morning in Sellery residence hall, according to an email sent to First Wave Scholars from Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer Patrick Sims.
A student reportedly pushed three residents of Sellery Hall at roughly 2 a.m. The aggressor also spat on one of the students, according to an email sent to Sellery Hall residents later Saturday morning.
Another act of intolerance on campus, UW investigates heckling of Native Americans
Channel3000.com
A little over a month after UW students posted pictures of Hitler to a Jewish student’s dorm, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is investigating another act of intolerance. At Dejope Hall on campus, an important Native American ceremony was cut short, Wednesday night.
Students from inside the dorm started shouting mocking war cry sounds, upsetting everyone at the event.
UW male student sexually assaulted at Student Activities Center
Channel3000.com
A UW male student was sexually assaulted Wednesday at 6 p.m. According to a police report, the student was on the fourth level of the Student Activities Center, 333 East Campus Mall, when a man approached him and asked for help.
Man observed as ‘violent’ pulls knife on UW student, cuts hand
Channel3000.com
A UW student received a cut hand after an attempt to intervene in what appeared to be an incident of partner violence Friday night. UW Madison police confirmed to News 3 Saturday that two UW-Madison students witnessed what appeared to be partner violence outside 45 N. Randall Street.
UWPD Chief Sue Riseling marks 25th year leading campus police Friday
Wisconsin State Journal
Under Riseling, UWPD also has been on the forefront of some changes or advances in police practices, becoming the first agency in the state to put computers linked to dispatch in police cars in 1992, and last year being one of the first locally to add body-worn cameras for officers.
Male UW student propositioned, grabbed on campus
Wisconsin State Journal
A male UW-Madison student was propositioned for sex in a campus activity center this week, an incident that prompted UW-Madison police to remind students that unwanted advances should not be tolerated or ignored.
Man attacks UW student, cuts her hand when she tries to intervene in dispute, police say
Wisconsin State Journal
A female UW-Madison student was cut on the hand multiple times after trying to intervene in a domestic situation Friday night.
More training, more Taser use, more attention to implicit bias among local police changes following Tony Robinson shooting
Wisconsin State Journal
Noted: UW-Madison Police: Last year, the number of officers who received crisis intervention training increased to 72 percent from 5 percent of the 60-officer agency, Chief Sue Riseling said.
Police agencies took hard look at practices in wake of Tony Robinson shooting
Wisconsin State Journal
Quoted: “It greatly reduces the use of force, if we know the reason someone isn’t complying is not because they’re being belligerent but because they’re ill,” said UW-Madison Police Chief Sue Riseling, who co-chaired the local task force. “That’s a huge psychological shift for an officer. We generally want to help those who are ill and control those who are belligerent.”
UW-Madison fined $56,000 in airport hazmat incident
WKOW TV
Federal Aviation Administration officials say UW-Madison was fined $56,000 after a university researcher put hazardous materials in luggage and checked the baggage onto a flight, only to have TSA screeners intercept the cargo.
Tour for rock star lawyers
Isthmus
Unlikely international sex symbol Dean Strang and Jerry Buting, former defense lawyers for Steven Avery, the Manitowoc, Wis., man exonerated on a rape charge and subsequently convicted in 2005 for the murder of photographer Teresa Halback, announced this week they are launching a North American tour.
Drugged driving project to get a fix on extent of problem in Dane County, officials say
Wisconsin State Journal
Noted: Agencies involved in the project include the Sheriff’s Office, State Patrol, District Attorney’s Office, Wisconsin Hygiene Lab, state Department of Justice and police departments of Madison, Verona, Fitchburg, Stoughton, DeForest, Oregon, Middleton and UW-Madison.
Universities working to tackle sexual assault on campus
WKOW TV
Sexual assault is a problem on college campuses nationwide, including UW Madison, and it’s sparking conversations across the country.
A survey from the Association of American Universities shows one of every four female students say they’ve been sexually assaulted. That same survey also showed more than three-quarters of women who reported being a victim said the offender had been drinking.
“We have a substantial problem at this campus and many campuses across the nation that we need to address,” said Carmen Hotvedt, with UW Madison’s End Violence on Campus.
UWPD investigates string of thefts and burglaries
NBC15
The UW-Madison Police Department said they are investigating a string of thefts and burglaries that happened in and around UW Hospital and Clinics.
According to a release from UW-Madison Police Department, it happened on Monday around the hospital on Highland Avenue.
ONLY ON 27 NEWS: Sex offender admits to being at Zimmermann’s home day of student’s homicide
WKOW TV
In an interview with 27 News, a registered sex offender admits to being at the home of former UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmermann on the day of her unsolved homicide.
But 49-year-old David Kahl tells 27 News he was not responsible for the 21-year coed’s 2008 death.
Thefts, burglaries reported around UW Hospital
Channel3000.com
University of Wisconsin police are investigating a string of thefts and burglaries around UW Hospital and Clinics. Police said that, in most cases, the thief got access to valuables because of an unlocked door or vehicle. The thefts happened Monday.
UW police looking for vehicle break-in suspect
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison police are looking for a man who allegedly entered vehicles near UW Hospital and Clinics on Monday to steal valuables.
UPDATE: Madison Police release surveillance photos of man suspected of grabbing student
WKOW TV
Madison Police have released surveillance images of the man they believe grabbed a UW-Madison student early Monday morning as she was walking home from a library.
He’s described as being 6′, 150 pounds 18-22 years old with a dark complexion. If you have any information contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers.
Dane County police chiefs agree to use-of-force recommendations
Channel3000.com
Noted: The Special Community/Police Task Force was formed after the incidents in Ferguson, Missouri by the NAACP, United Way, law enforcement and Leaders of Color Collaboration. It was co-chaired by University of Wisconsin Police Chief Sue Riseling, Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church Pastor Everett Mitchell, and Urban League of Greater Madison President and CEO Ruben Anthony. The 12 task force members met 15 times and held listening sessions in the community.
UW-Madison plans to replace “Tonight” sexual assault program
Channel3000.com
The University of Wisconsin-Madison plans to replace its required Tonight sexual assault program with a new program in 2017. Incoming students are required to take the online Tonight course, which teaches students how to spot, prevent and cope with sexual assault.
Former UW Hospital nurse convicted of four drug felonies
WKOW-TV 27
Court records show a former UW-Hospital nurse was convicted of four felony crimes after diverting drugs from patients for her own use.
Former nurse pleads guilty to drug thefts
Wisconsin State Journal
A former UW Hospital nurse was convicted Thursday of stealing morphine while working at the hospital in 2013 and 2014.
Family: DNA match in Zimmermann homicide more than year old
WKOW TV
The mother of former UW-Madison student and 2008 homicide victim Brittany Zimmermann tells 27 News a DNA match in Zimmermann’s case was made in 2014.
Jean Zimmermann tells 27 News she was also informed of the match by authorities in 2014, and knows the name of the person associated with the DNA, but is not divulging the name at this time.
The existence of the DNA match in the high-profile killing of the 21- year old university student in a campus-area apartment was first reported on WIBA’s The Vicki McKenna show last week.
‘DNA match’ found in Brittany Zimmermann killing, parents say
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Madison police have a “DNA match” in their investigation into the unsolved 2008 killing of college student Brittany Zimmermann, her parents said this week, but that alone does not appear to be enough to support charges in the case.
DNA not enough for arrest in college student’s homicide
AP (via WKOW TV)
The parents of a slain University of Wisconsin-Madison student are renewing their plea that anyone with information about the 2008 homicide contact police.
Family: DNA match confirmed in Brittany Zimmermann homicide
Channel3000.com
The family of a University of Wisconsin-Madison student who was killed in 2008 said they have a DNA match related to the homicide investigation. Kevin and Jean Zimmermann, parents of 21-year-old Brittany Zimmermann, said in a statement to News 3 Tuesday that while they have a DNA match in their daughter’s case, they will not release the name because authorities are not filing charges against him.
Family says DNA match found in Brittany Zimmermann homicide case
Wisconsin State Journal
Brittany Zimmermann, a UW-Madison junior at the time of her death, was killed by strangulation and stabbing in the middle of the day in her Downtown apartment on April 2, 2008. She had just returned from morning classes and was followed into her apartment by someone who forced entry through an outside door.
Officials: Gorham Street fire source not known yet
WKOW TV
Noted: Schuster says today, the fire department focused on making sure the affected residents were getting what they needed to “start getting their lives back.” She tells 27 News, “The UW Dean of Students’ office has kindly reached out to any students impacted to help get them temporary replacement necessities such as laptops and text books.”
She says at least 10 people were totally displaced from the fire.
Leader and last of campus marijuana dealers gets 3 years in federal prison
Wisconsin State Journal
A UW-Madison student described as the “primary driving force” behind a group of young male participants in a marijuana distribution ring has been sentenced to three years in federal prison.
Coat on toaster brought firefighters to UW dormitory
Wisconsin State Journal
A tossed winter coat on top of a toaster in a dorm room brought firefighters to the UW-Madison campus on Wednesday, with nobody injured in the blaze.
UHS unveils $400,000 initiative to curb sexual assault, gender-based violence
Badger Herald
University Health Services announced Tuesday it is seeking funding for initiatives focused on gender-based violence prevention within Greek life and the campus community as whole.
Sarah Van Orman, UHS executive director, unveiled plans at a press conference to address 12 issues a UW task force identified to curb sexual assaults. Using new and existing programs, UHS aims to improve prevention strategies, increase bystander intervention and change the culture around gender-based violence, she said.
The new efforts UHS suggested would be implemented in the fall and cost University of Wisconsin $400,000, Van Orman said. UHS requested a $45 increase to student segregated fees Monday.
UW-Madison develops plan to address sexual assaults
Channel3000.com
In the wake of the AAU Sexual Assault and Misconduct Climate Survey that revealed one in four undergraduate females were sexually assaulted, University of Wisconsin-Madison officials have developed a plan to address the issue. UW-Madison was one of 27 campuses that participated in the survey.
UW task force advances ideas to fight campus sexual violence
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison University Health Services will spend an extra $400,000 next academic year for additional staffing and new or expanded programs aimed at reducing student-reported rates of campus sexual violence.
UHS seeks to improve mental health, sexual assault services — but at an increased cost to students
Badger Herald
At a University of Wisconsin student government committee meeting Monday, University Health Services proposed a two-year plan to financially back support for expanded mental health and sexual assault services — a change that would cost students almost $45 more per semester.
The Student Services Finance Committee, a branch of Associated Students of Madison, also unanimously approved WSUM’s budget proposal of $376,599 Monday.
NFL player, former Badger in court for allegedly beating girlfriend
Channel3000.com
A former Badger turned NFL player was in court Monday for allegedly battering his girlfriend early Friday morning. Madison police said Montee Ball, 25, was at the Hampton Inn and Suites on West Johnson Street at 3:43 a.m. when he was physically violent toward his girlfriend.
Montee Ball charged with misdemeanors for incidents at hotel, in vehicle
Wisconsin State Journal
Former NFL and University of Wisconsin running back Montee Ball won’t face felony charges related to an incident early Friday in which police say he injured his girlfriend during an argument at a Downtown hotel.
Property rights measures top busy agenda for Assembly Tuesday
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Noted: SB 276: Allow the UW System to use parking fines and fees to help pay for campus safety. Now, that money can be used only for parking and transportation facilities and enforcing parking regulations. The measure would also bar the UW System from building new parking facilities using bonds backed by general taxes.
Former UW running back Montee Ball charged with two misdemeanors
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Former Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball on Monday was charged with two misdemeanors — battery and disorderly conduct — for his alleged actions during two incidents involving his girlfriend.
Property rights measures top busy agenda for Assembly Tuesday
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Noted: AB 808: Prevent law enforcement from issuing underage drinking tickets to sexual assault victims and those assisting them. It would also bar the University of Wisconsin System from suspending them or taking other actions against them.
SILVER ALERT CANCELED: Man has been found safe
WKOW TV
Police from the University of Wisconsin-Madison are searching for a man who was last seen leaving UW Hospital & Clinics Sunday morning. Campus police spokesman Marc Lovicott says a Silver Alert has been issued for Larry Campbell, 63, of Madison.
NFL player, former Badger accused of battering girlfriend
Channel3000.com
A former Badger turned NFL player is accused of battering his girlfriend early Friday in Madison, police said. Madison police said Montee Ball, 25, was at the Hampton Inn and Suites on West Johnson Street at 3:43 a.m. when he was physically violent toward his girlfriend.
Former UW running back Montee Ball arrested
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Former University of Wisconsin and NFL running back Montee Ball was arrested early Friday after a woman reported he threw her, injuring her leg.
Former Capitol cop accused of stealing state painting
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Noted: All of the artwork was accounted for except a piece by Bohrod, a former UW-Madison artist-in-residence who died in 1992. The painting in its gold and velvet frame was missing from the security room of the residence, the complaint said.
‘Pro rape’ events canceled; Police say concept still ‘very concerning’
Channel3000.com
Noted: UW Madison police spokesperson Marc Lovicott said the website’s values go against everything the department and campus stands for. He says the department was made aware of the possible meetings this week, and in response, officers were in communication with other departments around the state.
Lovicott said there is no indication a meeting like this will take place in Madison, but he said the idea of “pro rape” events is disappointing.
“The fact that there’s an organized group that promotes this, I think that’s really disappointing and really disturbing,” Lovicott said. “What we can do as a community, though, is stand up against it and make sure people realize that this type of behavior, this mentality, just won’t be tolerated here.”
Metro Market homicide suspect tried to kill himself in 2014, ex-girlfriend says
Wisconsin State Journal
Noted: Joers said she met O’Kroley in eighth grade when they rode the same bus to school in Cottage Grove. She became pregnant by O’Kroley when she was a sophomore in high school, she said, but noted she went on to graduate from UW-Madison with a double major in physics and philosophy — in May 2015, according to the university registrar’s office — “while mental illness prevented Christopher from maturing into a functional adult.”
Lead ‘investor’ gets 30 months in prison for Madison marijuana operation
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The lead “investor” in a student-run drug business that bought marijuana in California and Colorado to sell around University of Wisconsin-Madison has been sentenced to 30 months in prison.
‘Undetermined’ listed as cause of $100,000 roof fire at UW Memorial Union
Wisconsin State Journal
“Investigators cannot rule out the possibility of a pipe fitter’s hot work in the area of the origin, or an unspecified electrical fault,” said spokeswoman Cynthia Schuster.
Second fire in 2 days on UW campus
Wisconsin State Journal
Madison firefighters were sent to the UW-Madison campus for the second time in two days on Friday, after a burning smell was reported on the 16th floor of Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive.
Student reports sexual assault at UW-Madison residence hall
NBC15
The UW-Madison Police Department says a sexual assault was reported at a school residence hall. The assault reportedly happened to a student sometime between Jan. 22 and Jan. 24 at a school residence hall.
UW student reports sexual assault in residence hall, police say
Wisconsin State Journal
A UW-Madison student told campus security she had been sexually assaulted in a dormitory last weekend, but since she didn’t report it to local or school police, no criminal investigation is being done.
UWPD K9 Campus Training
NBC15
UW Police’s K9 Unit is a regular attendee at large campus events for explosive and narcotics detection. This afternoon, NBC 15’s Saira Anwer got to watch the unit show off their skills in a residence hall exercise.
Today’s drill was the first time the UWPD K9 unit trained with students present.
UPDATE: Cause of Memorial Union fire still unknown
WKOW TV
Fire investigators are still looking into what caused a fire at the Memorial Union on the UW-Madison campus Thursday afternoon.
Memorial Union reopens after fire under roof tiles, officials say
Channel3000.com
Memorial Union was evacuated Thursday afternoon as crews worked to put out a fire in the attic, officials said.
UW-Madison’s Lori Berquam, Susan Riseling and Dr. Sarah Van Orman: We’re constantly improving sex assault discipline process
Capital Times
A recent article, “UW-Madison sex assault discipline process leaves both sides crying foul,” raised questions about how the university responds to allegations of sexual violence.