PULLMAN, Wash. — Pullman police say Washington State University redshirt freshman offensive lineman Uilisone “Sone” Falealo was shot during a party at Aspen Heights Apartments early Sunday morning after the Apple Cup. The suspect is identified as a University of Washington student.
According to court documents, .
Officers said they found Falealo with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was taken to Pullman Regional Hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove the bullet. Police said the injury was not life-threatening. WSU said that he is recovering with his family in Pullman.
Witnesses told investigators that Falealo and two friends had been asked to provide security at the party, court docs said. Several people reported that Buchanan got into arguments and physical altercations with guests before the shooting.
Surveillance and bystander video reviewed by police appeared to show a fight breaking out. Investigators said Buchanan pulled out a handgun, struck Falealo with it, and then fired. Buchanan and another man fled in a car that witnesses described as a gray Hyundai Sonata with Minnesota license plates.
Detectives said that they later identified Buchanan through witness statements, video evidence, and his social media profile. He is facing charges of first-degree assault and fourth-degree assault in Whitman County.
Police said that as of Monday afternoon, Buchanan had not been arrested. Police said the vehicle he was driving was a rental that was later located at Sea-Tac.
An Alaska native, Falealo began his career at the University of Idaho, where he did not play as a true freshman last season. He transferred to WSU in the offseason and has not yet appeared in a game this year.
In high school, Falealo was an MVP offensive lineman for West Anchorage. As a senior, he was named First-Team All-CIC and First-Team All-State, helping lead his team to an Alaska state championship.
The case remains under investigation.
WSU also released a statement regarding this 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.”
