Advisory
On 10/18/2025, The Janesville Police Department organized resources to facilitate the safe exercise of 1st Amendment Rights at the Marvin Roth Community Pavilion.
Upon becoming aware of the planned event, the Janesville Police Department initiated a thorough planning process, which included proactive communication with event organizers and monitoring all available information to ensure the responsible and proportionate deployment of resources.
The Janesville Police Department and Rock County Sheriff’s Office deployed Officers and Deputies trained in crowd management to monitor and patrol the event. The objectives of the deployed officers were as follows:
Overall Goal and Mission:
Support and protect the lawful and peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights while maintaining public safety, protecting property, and minimizing disruption to the community.
Primary Mission:
Facilitate the peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights (assembly and free speech) for the protesters.
Secondary Mission:
Maintain public safety, protect property, and ensure the free flow of traffic/pedestrian movement to the extent possible without unduly restricting the protest.
Core Principle:
Emphasize de-escalation, communication, and neutrality. Avoid tactics and equipment that may be perceived as provocative.
To ensure the safety of all participants and the public, S Main St was closed to vehicle traffic between E Court St and St Lawrence Ave during the event. This is a standard pedestrian safety measure for high-attendance events at this location, based on lessons learned from prior events such as “Music at the Marv.”
The event concluded peacefully, though one arrest was made involving an individual not associated with the protest or its participants.
The individual, identified as Joseph Fryer (48 years old) of Janesville, arrived at the Courthouse area in a vehicle and engaged in disorderly and aggressive behavior, including demanding access to the closed parking garage and verbally berating officers. During the subsequent arrest, Mr. Fryer resisted officers, resulting in a minor hand injury to one law enforcement officer. He was found to be intoxicated by alcohol.
Mr. Fryer was booked and held at the Rock County Jail on the following charges:
Janesville October 18th Protest
| October 18th Protest |
Upon becoming aware of the planned event, the Janesville Police Department initiated a thorough planning process, which included proactive communication with event organizers and monitoring all available information to ensure the responsible and proportionate deployment of resources.
The Janesville Police Department and Rock County Sheriff’s Office deployed Officers and Deputies trained in crowd management to monitor and patrol the event. The objectives of the deployed officers were as follows:
Overall Goal and Mission:
Support and protect the lawful and peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights while maintaining public safety, protecting property, and minimizing disruption to the community.
Primary Mission:
Facilitate the peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights (assembly and free speech) for the protesters.
Secondary Mission:
Maintain public safety, protect property, and ensure the free flow of traffic/pedestrian movement to the extent possible without unduly restricting the protest.
Core Principle:
Emphasize de-escalation, communication, and neutrality. Avoid tactics and equipment that may be perceived as provocative.
To ensure the safety of all participants and the public, S Main St was closed to vehicle traffic between E Court St and St Lawrence Ave during the event. This is a standard pedestrian safety measure for high-attendance events at this location, based on lessons learned from prior events such as “Music at the Marv.”
The event concluded peacefully, though one arrest was made involving an individual not associated with the protest or its participants.
The individual, identified as Joseph Fryer (48 years old) of Janesville, arrived at the Courthouse area in a vehicle and engaged in disorderly and aggressive behavior, including demanding access to the closed parking garage and verbally berating officers. During the subsequent arrest, Mr. Fryer resisted officers, resulting in a minor hand injury to one law enforcement officer. He was found to be intoxicated by alcohol.
Mr. Fryer was booked and held at the Rock County Jail on the following charges:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (2nd offense)
- Threats to Law Enforcement
- Battery to Law Enforcement
- Resisting/Obstructing an Officer- Causing Injury
- Probation Violation
| Location: Marvin Roth Community Pavilion 99 S Main St |
| By: Lt Jimmy Holford III |
| Date: 10/18/2025 |
| Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3:6 Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. |
Address/Location
Janesville Police Department
100 N Jackson St
Janesville, WI 53548
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 608-755-3100