MOSCOW, Idaho – The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office says there’s not enough evidence to support filing charges related to a fight outside of a fraternity at the University of Idaho.
Video captured the altercation September 24, 2025.
Police say video along with witness statements and medical consultation did not support filing charges.
Austin Dawson was working as a DoorDash driver near the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Several of the fraternity members were playing basketball outside.
One of them missed a shot and it hit Dawson’s vehicle.
Despite there being no damage to the vehicle, witnesses said Dawson challenged one of the fraternity members to a fight.
Police say that fraternity member, Arath Chavez, refused to fight, but that Dawson pulled over and got out of the car.
Witnesses say Dawson was told to leave the property and the two men decided to fight.
“A witness reported Chavez took off his shoes (sandals) and stuck out his hand as if to shake Dawson’s hand,” police said. “Multiple witnesses reported that Dawson swung first. Both parties exchanged blows and struck each other.”
“Chavez wrapped his arms around Dawson’s mid-section and tackled Dawson to the ground. Dawson’s head hit the pavement. On the ground Chavez was seen hitting Dawson at least four times over a four second time frame (three witnesses also reported Chavez struck Dawson four times while he was on the ground).”
The fight eventually ended and Dawson was taken to the hospital.
Moscow Police say doctors say the injuries Dawson suffered were from him hitting the pavement, not the subsequent punches to the head.
Investigators say because the two men agreed to fight, the incident does not meet the criteria to charge Chavez with a crime.
Both parties have been notified, and investigators say the matter is now closed.
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