UWPD Investigating Assault Involving Pepper Spray at Memorial Union Terrace
- Case number: 25-1139
- Incident date: July 23, 2025, 8:45 pm
- Incident type: Assault
- Location/address: Memorial Union Terrace
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the UW–Madison Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance involving 7-10 individuals at the Memorial Union Terrace.
The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation between two groups on State Street. One group arrived at the Terrace, followed shortly by the second group, at which point the conflict escalated. During the altercation, one suspect used pepper spray on members of the other group, and at least one other individual physically assaulted another group member by punching them. All parties involved are believed to be juveniles.
UWPD officers arrived quickly, identified several victims, and issued citations to one person for disorderly conduct, underage alcohol consumption, and assaultive behavior. The two remaining suspects — including the individual who deployed the pepper spray — have not yet been located or identified.
No one was hurt, and no Terrace guests were impacted by the pepper spray. Those group members who were pepper-sprayed declined medical treatment but were assisted by UWPD officers with decontamination.
The UW-Madison Police Department is actively investigating this case. If you have any information, please call us at (608) 264-2677 or send tips through the BadgerSAFE app.