Panhandler steals man's money, then punches him

[July 29, 2009]  MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Madison police said a panhandler accepted $1 from a good Samaritan, then grabbed the rest of the donor's cash and punched him in the face.

Police said the panhandler approached a 50-year-old man Monday evening and asked for 40 cents. Authorities said the man pulled out $14 and handed $1 to the man. The man allegedly grabbed the entire wad of cash and walked away.

The donor followed him and demanded his money back. Police said the panhandler responded by punching him.

The victim stumbled backward and hit his head on a trash bin. He suffered a cut that required multiple stitches.

Police said they have a lead on a suspect -- a 45-year-old man who had been cited for menacing panhandling earlier in the day.

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Information from: WMTV-TV, http://www.nbc15.com/

[Associated Press]

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