A Western student was hospitalized after being punched by another student during an off-campus house party on Jan. 27, said Mark Young, Bellingham Police Department public information officer. The suspect turned himself in to Bellingham Police on Friday, Feb. 10, Young said.
Western junior Will Moore was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center after the altercation, which resulted in more than $60,000 in medical bills, Moore said.
Police first contacted Moore at St. Joseph at 10 p.m. Jan. 27, after the incident occurred, Young said.
Nineteen-year-old Western student Mitchell Joseph Farley and seven to eight other individuals arrived at the house party in the 3000 block of Taylor Avenue, Young said.
Farley was arrested on suspicion of second-degree felony assault, Young said.
He appeared at the Whatcom County Superior Court at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 and was released, according to Superior Court documents. His arraignment is set for 9:30 a.m., on Feb. 24.
Farley was not available for comment.
Moore said he and his roommates asked Farley and the other individuals to leave their party, and the group quickly became frustrated. Moore said Farley threw a punch, breaking his jaw in two places, before leaving the scene.
Moore was taken to St. Joseph after the incident, where he underwent surgery, Moore said.
“I have four plates and 20 screws in my lower jaw,” Moore said. “I can’t eat solid food, and it’s been over two weeks since the incident.”
Farley turned himself in to Bellingham Police at 8:20 a.m. Feb. 10 and was arrested after being read his Miranda rights, Young said.
Western contacted both parties about the incident and possible future disciplinary actions, Moore said.
Michael Schardein, university judicial officer, said Western follows its recently updated Student Rights and Responsibilities Code for all incidents.
According to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code: “Western Washington University does not act as a policing agent for students when they are off campus.” Student conduct is subject to the code if it “adversely affects a substantial university interest.”
“The Student Conduct Officer shall consider the seriousness of the alleged offense, the risk of harm involved, and whether the alleged victim(s) are members of the university community,” according to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code.
Schardein was unable to comment on whether the incident falls under the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code guidelines due to privacy issues with possible parties involved.
