A University at Buffalo basketball player has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a Canisius College basketball player during a pick-up game on Eggert Drive on Wednesday.
North Tonawanda Police say that the North Tonawanda Detective Bureau has arrested and charged Malik K. Zachery with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon on Friday.
Police say they responded to a physical altercation involving a possible stabbing when they found a victim with a puncture wound to his leg. The suspect allegedly fled the scene.
An investigation showed that a pick-up game between UB and Canisius College's basketball teams was taking place, when an altercation occurred between two players. During a fight, one player allegedly stabbed the other.
The University at Buffalo Division of Athletics released a statement confirming that Zachery has been suspended indefinitely from the team, but still enrolled as a student:
Malik Zachery has been suspended indefinitely from the UB men's basketball program, but currently remains enrolled at the University at Buffalo.
Generally speaking, the university has an on-campus judiciary process to address violations of the university’s Student Code of Conduct. Serious Violations of this code could lead to suspension from the University.
UB Athletics also has a process for addressing violations of student-athlete policies.
Due to the ongoing investigation and federal protections on student information we will have no further comment on the matter at this time.
Zachary was a standout basketball player in high school and just joined the UB team this past April.
The NTPD and and North Tonawanda Fire Deparements helped to treat the stabbbing victim at the scene until he was transported to a hospital.
Canisius Athletics also released a statement:
“We are aware of the situation involving a member of our men’s basketball program that occurred Wednesday night, and we are working to gather more information. Canisius College is cooperating with local law enforcement officials.
We will have no further comment on the matter at this time.
