PULLMAN — A University of Washington student accused of shooting a Washington State University football player during an off-campus party is claiming self-defense, according to a statement from his attorney provided to 4 News Now.
The attorney for 20-year-old Jakori Cezon Buchanan says he was protecting another person who was seriously injured in the altercation and is now working on turning himself in to authorities.
Pullman Police say Uilisone “Sone” Falealo, an offensive lineman for the Cougars, was shot in the stomach. Court documents indicate he underwent surgery to remove the bullet, which did not damage any organs. He has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Officers responded to the Aspen Heights Apartments around 1:47 a.m. Sunday to reports of a shooting. Falealo told officers that he and his friends were asked to work security at an apartment party there. Those two friends are Jaylin K. Caldwell and Xavier Thorpe who are also WSU offensive linemen. Falealo said the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Jakori Cezon Buchanan, assaulted a girl at the party in the backyard. Falealo intervened and says the suspect grabbed or reached for something in his pocket at the time. Buchanon was identified by UWPD as a UW student.
The police report says later in the front of the house, Buchanan got into another altercation with a woman and Falealo stopped it again. Pullman Police say Falealo was holding onto the suspect when the suspect’s friend came up behind him, and the suspect then shot Falealo.
The offensive lineman said he didn’t remember much after that.
The person who called 911 reported he saw the suspect’s group get into a dark sedan and leave the area. Buchanan has a felony warrant out for his arrest, and faces charges of 1st degree assault and 4th degree assault.
Falealo is a redshirt freshman for WSU. He attended University of Idaho last year but did not play.
WSU sent this statement about the incident:
Washington State University can confirm that one of our student-athletes was the victim of a shooting that occurred at an off-campus gathering. The student is currently recovering and his family is with him in Pullman.Because this is an active investigation, we ask that all further inquiries be directed to the Pullman Police Department.WSU is providing support to our student-athlete and his family. Students who may be impacted by this incident are encouraged to access campus resources, including the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team, which can be reached at 509-335-4511, and additional support services available through the Dean of Students Office.
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