An 18-year-old Madison man was beaten Tuesday morning on South Park Street near Villager Mall.

According to the Madison Police Department, three black males allegedly confronted the victim, punched him repeatedly, pushed him to the ground, kicked him and then stole his wallet.

In addition, the victim reportedly lost consciousness and later sought medical attention at a local hospital.

"The person was banged up pretty good and had stitches, a bruised head and other body parts," said Mike Hanson, MPD public information officer.

Hanson said this attack was somewhat unusual because it happened at approximately 8 a.m., and most batteries do not happen that early in the morning.

The alleged battery comes one day after the police department's first Downtown Safety Initiative town hall meeting, where Central District Police Chief Mary Schauf presented data showing a decrease in the number of batteries so far this year compared to last year.

Asst. District Attorney Mike Verveer also said this crime seems unusual, given the time and place — Villager Mall is only about a half block away from the South District Police Station.

"I can't imagine anybody, generally, should fear for their life walking by the Villager Mall during the day," Verveer said, adding that while the neighborhood has seen issues with drug dealing and prostitution, problems like that are on the decline.

According to Hanson, the victim did not speak fluent English.

"We did use an enforcement officer that was a translator," Hanson said.

Verveer said it was likely easy for the MPD to find a translator for the victim.

"They're blessed with tons of cops that are bilingual," Verveer said.

The suspects are described as being about 19 or 20 years old. Hanson said witnesses and anyone with information are encouraged to contact the MPD.