Eugene police said Wednesday they arrested the man they believe assaulted Oregon placekicker Rob Beard, 19, last weekend.
Police took Maurice Dion Peterson III, 20, of Eugene, into custody Wednesday evening on second-degree assault charges.
The beating Beard sustained early Sunday was part of a larger fight police responded to shortly after 12:30 a.m. at East 17th Avenue and Hilyard Street. Police estimated between 20 and 40 subjects were involved.
Oregon placekicker Mike Bowlin was also involved in the dispute, and police reported both football players were injured. Bowlin declined medical treatment, police said earlier, but Beard was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.
The sophomore from Fullerton, Calif., was listed in critical condition Sunday, underwent facial reconstruction surgery this week and is expected to make a full recovery. He was no longer listed as a patient at the hospital Wednesday night.
EPD spokesperson Melinda Kletzok said police could not provide any additional details regarding the arrest, citing an active investigation.
Kletzok said Peterson’s charges are related only to Beard’s injuries and no other victims at this time.
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