Officers face hostile crowd after making arrests

2 women arrested

MADISON, Wis. — Madison police had to call in extra officers to help with a large and hostile crowd that surrounded officers involved in making two arrests outside a downtown bar early Sunday morning, according to a release from Madison police.

A 35-year-old Madison woman told officers on the street that another woman had just pointed a gun at her inside the Red Shed Tavern on North Frances Street. Mounted officers spotted the armed woman walking on Frances Street and police said she fought with officers when she was arrested. Officers arrested Laconda S. Williams, 28, of Madison, on suspicion of second-degree reckless endangerment, battery to a police officer, resisting, carrying a handgun where alcohol is sold and disorderly conduct.

Police said that after the arrest an acquaintance of Williams attacked the original victim. Police intervened and arrested Asia M. Townsend, 24, of Sun Prairie, on suspicion of intimidation of a victim and battery.

During the incident, a large, boisterous, and hostile crowd began to envelop the officers and a K-9 who were on foot in the Frances Street area, according to the release. Officers from neighboring districts were called to assist with dispersing the crowd.