WSU lineman Sone Falealo shot at off-campus party after Apple Cup

Washington State redshirt freshman offensive lineman Sone Falealo was shot early Sunday during an altercation at an off-campus apartment party in Pullman after the Apple Cup, according to multiple outlets. He underwent surgery and is recovering, according to university officials and law enforcement.

The shooting occurred around 1:47 a.m. local time at the Aspen Heights Apartments, and Falealo was transported to Pullman Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound to the abdomen; doctors said the bullet did not damage any organs. Police identified 20-year-old Jakori Cezon Buchanan of the University of Washington as the alleged shooter, and a judge signed a felony arrest warrant charging him with first- and fourth-degree assault. As of Monday, Buchanan remained at large, and authorities said the vehicle he had been driving was a rental.

Court documents state that Falealo and teammates Jaylin Caldwell and Xavier Thorpe had been asked to act as security for the party after earlier noise complaints, and other partygoers told police that Buchanan had been involved in several incidents during the gathering, The Athletic reported.

According to court records, a woman at the party alleged that Buchanan attempted to punch her in the face but instead struck her in the chest. After she struck him back, authorities said the three Cougars players intervened. An outside altercation led Falealo to engage Buchanan again, and surveillance footage captured the moment Buchanan was pushed to the ground; he then pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired one shot that struck Falealo.

Authorities noted that those at the party, including Falealo, Caldwell and Thorpe, did not have a criminal history and have cooperated with investigators.

Falealo, an Alaska native, began his college career at the University of Idaho, where he did not play during his true freshman season and transferred to Washington State in the offseason. He has not appeared in a game for the Cougars.

Police and university officials provided limited updates as the investigation continued. The case has drawn attention to security and conduct at off-campus housing after big football events.