MADISON (WKOW) — A Black Earth man who was openly carrying multiple firearms on State Street Monday had one of the weapons taken from him during an argument.
Melvin F. Bogus, 39, no permanent address, was arrested for second degree reckless endangerment, theft, possession of firearm by felon, possession of cocaine and bail jumping after grabbing the weapon from the man police say was legally carrying his weapons in the open.
Officers responded about 7:30 p.m. to a report of the suspect pointing a handgun at the victim and made contact with the victim who had been openly carrying multiple firearms.
Officers learned that there was a verbal exchange between the suspect and the victim when the suspect forcibly removed a holstered handgun from the victim.
During the argument, the suspect asked, “Why you wanna kill people.” The gunman responded saying he was armed because it was his right, and it was for protection.
It was around this time that the suspect closed distance between he and the victim, according to police.
He grabbed and yanked a holstered handgun from the victim’s body. The suspect pointed the loaded weapon at the victim, and the victim – in turn – pulled his long gun and pointed it at the suspect.
Police were called, and Bogus was arrested.