6 Arrested After Backyard Beating On City’s West Side

Police arrested a man and five teens after a 19-year-old was beaten late Monday on the city’s West Side.

Officials said Dane County dispatchers received multiple calls at around 11:20 p.m. that someone had been badly beaten in a backyard of a home in the 5800 block of Tolman Terrace. When officers arrived in the area, a man flagged down officers and said the victim was now in front of his home. The victim had been knocked unconscious, but began rolling and moaning, according to a police incident report.

The victim told police that he had confronted several teens in the neighborhood after an earlier dispute. He said the teens ran into an apartment near Raymond Road and when they came back out, they had several others with them.

The victim said he tried running away through some backyards, but the group caught him. He said he was repeatedly punched and kicked.

The victim was taken to the hospital with a number of non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Officers were able to find all six people who they believe were involved as they walked on nearby Barton Road, according to police. They arrested three 14-year-old boys from Madison, a 13-year-old boy from Madison, a 15-year-old boy from Fargo, N.D., and Lazar J. Miles, 21, of Madison. All are facing charges of substantial battery, police said.

Police said several of the boys admitted they were the reason for the calls to police, but said they were just “play fighting.” Police said many of those involved have strong gang affiliations.