Police deploy pepper spray before arresting three men in University Avenue disturbance

Madison police used pepper spray this weekend to break up a fight before arresting three men outside a popular strip of downtown bars this weekend.

A “large” fight broke out on the 600 block of University Avenue early Saturday morning, Madison Police Department Public Information Officer Joel DeSpain said in an incident report. Police deployed pepper spray in the area around 1:27 a.m.

Officers arrested Julius M. Jackson, 25, Capreace R. Salinas, 22, and Richard James IV, 23 — all on tentative counts of disorderly conduct.

“Officers observed a lot of pushing and shoving on the sidewalk with several people actively fighting in the middle of the busy thoroughfare,” DeSpain said.

Police have used pepper spray following fights in the area at least four times in the past two months.