A 20-year-old UW student faces assault charges for allegedly shooting a WSU football player during a party, then fleeing the scene.

A University of Washington student, Jakori Cezon Buchanan, 20, appeared in court in Colfax, Washington, facing first- and fourth-degree assault charges for allegedly shooting Washington State University football player Uilisone "Sone" Falealo during an off-campus party on September 21. Falealo, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, was shot in the stomach, underwent surgery, and was released with a full recovery expected. The incident occurred around 1:47 a.m. at Aspen Heights Apartments after Falealo intervened in an altercation. Buchanan, who fled in a gray 2025 Hyundai Sonata with Minnesota plates, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Prosecutors argue he is a flight risk due to driving across the state post-incident, while his defense claims self-defense and highlights his academic and community involvement. A judge set a $100,000 bond and ordered prosecutors to file formal charges by 3 p.m. Friday or Buchanan could be released. The case remains under investigation.