By Bill Novak
Capital Times
MADISON, Wisc. — An off-duty Madison police officer helped in the arrest of a man out on parole after almost being hit by the car in which the man was riding.
Eric Day, 29, Madison, was tentatively charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and a parole hold, while the driver of the car, Anthony Browning, 20, Madison, was cited for reckless driving, following their arrest at 8:37 p.m. Wedneday in the 3500 block of Sargent Street.
Madison police said the off-duty officer was driving south on Walter Street when he saw a car coming up behind him at a high rate of speed.
“The officer took evasive action and turned to the right to avoid being hit,” said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. “He then watched as the car left the road and crashed into a snowbank.”
According to police, the officer approached the car to help, but the car passenger got out and yelled “What are you gonna do?” to the officer.
“Thinking they might have been involved in a robbery or some other crime, the officer held out his badge and identified himself as a Madison police officer,” DeSpain said.
The passenger then advanced toward the officer, and a struggle ensued, police said.
“The driver began shouting racial slurs at the officer, who is African-American,” DeSpain said.
Officers from the Capitol police department and the Madison police department arrived and arrested Day and cited Browning.
“During the arrest and booking process the passenger continued to threaten officers,” DeSpain said.
Police checked with the probation and parole office and found out Day was out on parole for substantial battery to a police officer.
Copyright 2009 Capital Times