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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

University of Montana football player accused of assaulting WSU student in Pullman

Justin Strong (University of Montana)

A University of Montana football player is accused of assaulting a Washington State University student in Pullman early Saturday.

Multiple news outlets reported that 22-year-old Justin Strong was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault and later released on his own recognizance from the Whitman County Jail.

Pullman police were called shortly after midnight Saturday to a fight on Stadium Way and found a 23-year-old man unresponsive and suffering from severe head injuries, according to Pullman Radio News. The victim was taken to Pullman Regional Hospital and then flown to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane to be treated for a skull fracture.

Citing court documents, Pullman Radio News reported that Strong told police the victim tried to assault him when he tried to break up an altercation at a house party. Strong told police he later approached the victim outside and hit him once, knocking him to the ground, and a second time as the victim tried to get up.

Strong reportedly claimed he acted in self-defense, and police noted he had minor facial injuries, the radio station reported. A witness, meanwhile, told police that the victim had been chased by three males and was assaulted even though he held up his hands showing he didn’t want to fight.

Police are looking for additional suspects.

Orginally from Rialto, California, Strong is a senior safety for the Grizzlies and previously played three seasons at Oregon State.