A group of people battered and bruised a transient man and his dog Sunday night on the 100 block of W. Gorham St., according to police.
Police said they received calls from several citizens who were witnesses to three people - Emily Olson, 22, of Madison; Michael Anderson, 21, of Madison and Matthew Smurf"" Johnson, 22 - battering a 28-year-old man from Portland, Ore. and his dog ""Brody.""
The victim reportedly suffered cuts and bruises and his dog suffered a non-life threatening neck injury after it was struck by a chunk of wood. Police said the victim stated he is a transient and had been hanging out with the group that beat him on State Street for more than a week. He told police he perceived the people to be his friends, but the battering ensued because they tried to take possession of Brody.
According to the police report, the victim alleged he was kicked, punched and struck multiple times with a fencepost by the group.
Police arrested and charged Olson and Anderson with three counts of battery for their connection to the incident. Johnson, who remains a suspect, was charged with two counts of battery and first degree reckless endangerment to safety.
