University of Idaho football player Tone Taupule was arrested early Friday morning on charges of armed robbery and aggravated battery.
Moscow Police arrested Taupule at 4:30 a.m. after executing a search warrant at his Lauder Street residence.

The arrest is the result of an incident Thursday evening. According to Moscow Police, officers responded to Gritman Medical Center regarding an assault at 7:48 p.m. The victim reported that a black male wearing black sweatpants, a black sweatshirt and a black bandanna over his mouth had confronted him inside his Blake Ave. apartment. The suspect allegedly held a handgun to the victim’s head and forced him to open a safe inside his bedroom. After taking money from the safe, the suspect hit the victim on the head with his gun and ran from the residence.
The victim told police he had met the suspect before through friends but did not know his name. Through a photo lineup, the victim identified Taupule as the suspect.

Taupule was booked in the Latah County Jail with bond set at $100,000. He was arraigned this morning and a preliminary trial is set for 10 a.m. March 22.
Taupule is a departing senior safety for the Vandal football team.

Calls to the Athletic Department were redirected to University Communications and Marketing.
In an e-mail statement from the university, Dean of Students Bruce Pitman responded to the arrest.
"Our community does not tolerate violent behavior — period," Pitman said. "If these allegations prove true, we are angered by what we are learning, and our thoughts and best wishes go to the victim of his unacceptable behavior."
The case is still under investigation. Inquiries can be directed to the Moscow Police Department reception desk at 883-7054 for referral.

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