Idaho player arrested for investigation of armed robbery, battery

3/9/2007 5:25 PM

MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) -A University of Idaho football player faces possible felony armed robbery and battery charges after his arrest early Friday, police said.

Tone Taupule, a 22-year-old safety, was arrested about 4:30 a.m. in Moscow after a resident was robbed and pistol-whipped in his home.

Taupule, a senior, made an initial appearance in district court, where bail was set at $100,000 and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 22.

Assistant Moscow Police Chief David Duke said police received a call from Gritman Memorial Hospital, where the victim was being treated for a head wound. The victim told police a man was inside his apartment when he returned home and brandished a semiautomatic pistol and forced him to give him about $1,000 from a safe. The robber then allegedly hit the man with the weapon and fled.

Police said the victim knew Taupule through another acquaintance, who provided a name. The victim picked Taupule out of a photo lineup, Duke said. Taupule was arrested at his Moscow apartment, where a search warrant produced cash, a magazine and ammunition, but no weapon, Duke said.

Taupule was booked into the Latah County Jail for investigation of felony armed robbery and aggravated battery.

Idaho sports information director Becky Paull said athletic officials had no immediate comment.

Taupule, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound transfer from Compton College in California, started all 12 games for the Vandals last season, recording 34 tackles, including 25 solo.