September 3, 2023
Safety around the UW-Madison campus is off to a rough start for new and returning students after a weekend shooting early Saturday morning (9/2/23) and a brutal attack on a UW student early Sunday morning (9/3/23).
Madison Police patrolling State Street heard gunshots Saturday morning (9/2) at around 2:20am. They later discovered a person with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in the 400 block of West Gilman Street. They believe it was a targeted incident and ask anyone with information to call them at 608-255-2345. You can also submit information anonymously to Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or online at P3tips.com.
Just after 3:15 this morning Madison Police responded to what they say is a “brutal attack” on a female UW student just outside of her residence in the 500 block of West Wilson Street. She was severely beaten and rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Right now Madison Police believe this was a stranger assault and they are encouraging residents to not walk alone at night (particularly in that area) and let someone know when you will be going somewhere and when you safely arrive.
Madison Police ask anyone living in the West Wilson/Bedford Street area to please check any security or doorbell video camera footage between 2 and 4pm. If you recorded anything—even if you think it’s not noteworthy—detectives may be interested in that video. You can contact Madison Police at their non-emergency number: 608-255-2345.
If you heard or saw anything you can call that non-emergency number, or if you wish to remain completely anonymous you can contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or online at P3Tips.com. Information submitted to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.
UW-Madison Issues Alert
All UW students, faculty and staff received this message today (9/3/23):
To the UW–Madison Community
We’re reaching out this weekend to share information about a violent and severe attack that occurred off-campus early Sunday morning in downtown Madison around the area of West Wilson and Bedford Street. The victim is a UW–Madison student.
We are deeply concerned for this individual, keeping them and their family in our thoughts and providing all possible support.
The suspect or suspects are still at large. As a result, police are increasing patrols and visibility as well as urging the community to remain vigilant and maintain awareness of their safety and surroundings.
Our partners at the City of Madison Police Department are conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. University Police (UWPD) is assisting and offering resources. The Dean of Students Office and Mental Health Services is working to support our students.
If you have any information about this case, or video from a security system in that area between 2 a.m.-4 a.m., please contact the City of Madison Police Department at (608) 255-2345.
Staying Safe
Being the target of a crime is never the fault of the victim, but there are things you can do to help protect yourself.
You can also download the new BadgerSAFE app. The app has safety resources and will provide both on and off-campus safety alerts within the immediate campus area. To download the app, search for “BadgerSAFE” in your phone’s app store.
After hours SAFEwalk is also available. Call or text (608) 262-5000.
Connect with Resources:
Support and community resources is available to students 24/7 by calling University Health Services’ crisis line at 608-265-5600 (option 9)
Employees can receive support through the Employee Assistance Office.
Make a Report:
To report an incident to law enforcement, contact UWPD at 608-264-2677, or call 911 in an emergency. We and MPD will continue to provide information on the case as we are able.
Chief Kristen Roman
University of Wisconsin Police Department
Christina Olstad
Dean of Students