Aggressive panhandler swings belt, chases passersby, police say

Site staff by Site Contributor

A panhandler is facing battery charges for attacking people on Madison’s east side early Thursday morning, according to police.

Madison police said 50-year-old Ezekiel J. Golden Jr. was panhandling on Atwood Avenue at 2nd Street at about 2:30 a.m. when he lashed out at passersby.

According to a news release, Golden swung a belt at three people after chasing after them.

The alleged victims told officers that Golden approached them asking for money, became angry and refused to leave them alone.

The belt buckle struck a 43-year-old man in the head, leaving a cut and a significant bump, police said. Golden also punched him. A 34-year-old woman fell and skinned her knee while running from Golden. A 32-year-old woman also ran from Golden but it didn’t appear she was injured in the incident, according to the report.

Police said Golden was unhappy about not getting more money from the victims, although one had given him a few dollars.

Golden was arrested on suspicion of two counts of battery, two counts of disorderly conduct and several counts of bail jumping.

All three victims are Madisonians, police said.

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