MONROE — An early morning fisticuffs on the Badger State Trail was about more than a dispute with a bicycle. According to authorities, it had to do with a love triangle.

At about 6:12 a.m. on August 6, Monroe Police were called to investigate a report that a man had been assaulted and robbed on the trail, which runs through Monroe. The assault had allegedly occurred near Twining Park. A large law enforcement presence was established in an attempt to search the area and apprehend the suspect. Officers were aided by a drone pilot and K-9 unit from the Green County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley, officers interviewed the victim further, and after questioning, determined that the man had not actually been assaulted and robbed. 

“Actually, the man had been confronted by another man about dating the same woman,” Kelley said. “The confronter was aware that the alleged victim went to work on that route, at that time of day, and waited for the alleged victim.”

While a targeted incident, it was not a pre-agreed to incident, Kelley added. “The incident involved mutual fighting.”

Officers cited both men for the incident. The alleged victim was identified as Yazzanyau Avila Garcia (25), of Monroe. The other man was identified as Carlos Aguilar Araujo (35), also of Monroe. Both men were cited for disorderly conduct and released pending a court appearance.

— Adam Krebs