News

Man beaten at McDonald’s on Park Street

Three arrests made, police report gang rivalry was motive

The Madison Police Department responded to a call Tuesday afternoon from the 2402 Park St. McDonald’s after a man was allegedly attacked over gang tattoos.

The victim, 29, told police he did not know his attackers, but said he believes it was the tattoos on his both of his upper forearms that may have generated the attack, according to MPD spokesperson Joel DeSpain.

DeSpain said the victim was punched in the face and then chased around the restaurant. Eventually, the victim resorted to defending himself with a “wet floor” sign. After the manager of McDonald’s heard a loud smacking noise, he saw the victim being chased by the three attackers and heading toward the counter, injured.

According to the incident report, the victim suffered cut lip.

The victim was formerly a member of gang, whose name DeSpain refused to disclose.

“The victim had indicated that he formerly lived in Los Angeles and was associated with a gang there, but he is no longer an active member,” DeSpain said. “What seems to have sparked this certainly seems to be the man’s tattoos.”

In an e-mail to The Badger Herald, MPD Detective George Chavez said gang violence is a problem in the Madison area.

“We have made great efforts in educating the community on the gang problem,” Chavez wrote. “In Madison, we have gangs that represent in various ways and other gang members can identify a tattoo, clothing, hand sign, etc. We have issues between gangs that go back several years and the problems continue today.”

Chavez was unable to comment on the specific case, because it is currently under investigation, but said though people today are more accepting of gang culture, problems can ensue if people do certain things that can be misconstrued as gang action.

Three men were arrested in conjunction with the crime: Santiago Torres, 19, of Madison, Spencer Williams, 18, of McFarland, and Blake Majerus, 19, of McFarland. Tentative charges include battery disorderly conduct.

DeSpain said there is no reason to believe anyone involved in the incident is associated with the University of Wisconsin.