A Madison Police officer was punched in the head 25 times by a homeless man Wednesday afternoon in front of a dozen spectators who did not come to the officer's aid, according to police.
Police said the homeless man, 24, attacked the officer in the 100 block of West Mifflin Street after the officer identified him as a suspect in previous battery of 29-year-old woman.
""The suspect wrapped his arm around the officer's neck, pushing his head down, while delivering blows,"" MPD Spokesperson Joel DeSpain said in a statement.
Police said after the officer gained control and handcuffed the suspect, a second man who had been in the park attempted to steal the officer's hat and sunglasses that fell to the ground during the brawl.
Police said the officer was taken to the hospital for head injuries, which included a golf ball-sized lump.
Police arrested the two men and the officer recommended the two suspects be placed on the State Street ban list as a condition of bail.
