Former Cal Poly football player arrested on suspicion of assault with knife, frying pan
A former Cal Poly football player was arrested on suspicion of attacking a woman in San Luis Obispo on Aug. 6.
Saia Fonongaloa, 22, was arrested on suspicion of an alleged assault that occurred on Casa Street, where a house party was taking place, according to San Luis Obispo police. The incident occurred at 2:21 a.m., police said.
“Fonongaloa got into an argument with a female and attacked her with a knife and frying pan,” said SLOPD Sgt. Bryan Treanor. “The victim received injuries to both her forehead and back during the assault. Fonongaloa left the area prior to officers’ arrival but later returned to the house, where he was arrested by SLOPD officers.”
Fonongaloa was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, both felonies, according to SLOPD.
Cal Poly Director of Media Relations Matt Lazier said Fonongaloa is listed in the university’s directory as a student.
But privacy laws prevent the university from discussing specifics about a student’s status with athletics, Lazier said.
Fonongaloa is no longer listed on Cal Poly’s 2020 online football roster but appeared in the university’s 2019 roster a defensive lineman.
“The San Luis Obispo Police Department early last Thursday morning arrested one of the university’s students after an alleged assault at a residence off campus,” said Lazier, without naming the student. “The university takes any reports of violence within its campus community very seriously. Upon learning of this arrest, the matter was immediately forwarded to our Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, where a student conduct investigation is ongoing.”
Lazier added that privacy concerns prevent the university from discussing that investigation in any greater detail.
“However, we can say that the university has taken interim steps to ensure the safety of its campus community while the process moves forward,” Lazier said. “The university is working closely with the San Luis Obispo Police Department, which is leading the criminal investigation into the incident.”
Fonongaloa was not listed in County Jail custody as of Friday, according to the SLO County Jail “Who’s in Custody?” website.
Cal Poly’s 2020 football season has been postponed to spring 2021 as part of a Big Sky Conference decision related to coronavirus safety precautions.
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