Washington State Lineman Sone Falealo Shot at Apartment Party

Washington State Lineman Sone Falealo Shot at Apartment Party

Pullman, WA – Washington State University redshirt freshman offensive lineman Sone Falealo is recovering after being shot during an off-campus party early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 1:47 a.m. at the Aspen Heights Apartments following the Apple Cup between WSU and the University of Washington.

According to police, Falealo was struck in the abdomen during an altercation. He was transported to Pullman Regional Hospital and underwent surgery. Fortunately, doctors confirmed that the bullet did not damage any vital organs, and he is expected to recover.

Authorities identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old University of Washington student Jakori Cezon Buchanan. A judge has issued a felony arrest warrant on charges of first- and fourth-degree assault. As of Monday, Buchanan remained at large, and investigators reported that the vehicle he had been driving was a rental.

Court documents reveal that Falealo and two teammates, Jaylin Caldwell and Xavier Thorpe, had been asked to help with security at the party after earlier noise complaints. Witnesses told police that Buchanan was involved in multiple disturbances, including allegedly attempting to assault a woman before being confronted by partygoers.

Surveillance footage later showed Buchanan being pushed to the ground during a separate altercation. He then allegedly pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired a single shot, striking Falealo.

Authorities stressed that the WSU players involved had no criminal history and have fully cooperated with investigators.

Falealo, an Alaska native, transferred to WSU from the University of Idaho this offseason and has not yet appeared in a game.