In Madison, Wisconsin, police have arrested a 26-year-old man, Brandon A. Thompson, in connection with a brutal sidewalk sexual assault that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving a University of Wisconsin-Madison student with life-threatening injuries.
Thompson, a city resident, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning, facing charges of first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless injury, and strangulation. Additional details about the case are expected to be provided during a news briefing at 4 p.m. CT.
The victim was discovered by police at around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, not far from Lake Monona. She was found to have sustained severe injuries and was immediately transported to the hospital. Authorities had initially stated that they believed the assailant was a stranger.
According to a friend of the victim who spoke to Milwaukee’s WISN-TV, the survivor suffered a broken jaw and had been subjected to strangulation, physical assault, and sexual assault. An unnamed neighbor recounted that the victim appeared to have been abducted from the sidewalk and dragged between two houses.
In response to the incident, police have advised residents to avoid walking alone in the area, particularly at night, and to remain vigilant of their surroundings.