Madison police arrested two men Thursday for battery and disorderly conduct after engaging in combat in front of the City-County Building, according to Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain in an incident report.
Police received calls at approximately 11:29 p.m., according to DeSpain. Dispatchers arrived at the the Wilson Street entrance, only yards from the Madison Police Department’s Central District.
The first suspect, Manuel Rocha, wielded a “wet floor” sign and proceeded to beat a 62-year-old man sleeping in a hallway of the building, according to DeSpain. When the victim was able to get to his feet, Rocha tackled and punch the man repeatedly.
Rocha approached a second victim with the sign, using it to “poke” Ezekiel Golden, according to DeSpain. Golden forced Rocha to the floor in self defense before using the sign to beat Rocha and stomp on the suspect. Police considered Golden’s actions too forceful for self defense and arrested the man for disorderly conduct.
Police arrested Rocha for substantial battery. Rocha’s blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.35 percent, only 0.15 point below the level an individual may die from sheer alcohol consumption.
