MSU men's basketball center Justin Ockerman was assaulted by an unidentified man possibly armed with a knife outside his apartment complex Sunday afternoon, Meridian Township Police Sgt. Alan Spencer confirmed Tuesday.
Police said the assault occurred sometime between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday at Club Meridian Apartments, 4425 Heritage Drive in Okemos. Ockerman didn't sustain any serious injuries in the incident.
"I can't comment on any details, but I can confirm he was assaulted," Spencer said.
Ockerman told police he went outside to take the trash to an outside Dumpster when he was approached by the suspect. After the two exchanged words, the suspect swung a punch at Ockerman, who ducked. Ockerman then punched the suspect, who retaliated by slashing Ockerman with what is believed to be a knife, causing a wound. The suspect then fled the scene, and Ockerman later was treated by Meridian Township EMS/Fire.
Spencer said he couldn't confirm whether Ockerman sought further medical treatment. The suspect hasn't been identified or caught, Spencer said, but police have released a composite sketch of the man. He is described as 6 feet tall and 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing jeans and a dark T-shirt. The suspect might have facial injuries as a result of Ockerman punching him.
MSU Sports Information Assistant Director Matt Larson said Tuesday that Ockerman was unavailable for comment, but released a statement in response to the assault.
"We understand Justin Ockerman was the victim of an incident at his apartment Sunday. Fortunately, his injuries were not serious," the statement said.
University spokesman Terry Denbow declined to comment on the incident, calling it a "minor thing."
Some Club Meridian residents said they never questioned the safety of the apartment complex until Sunday's assault.
Laura Pitcher, who has been a resident for a year, said she saw a TV news report about the incident last night.
"I just heard that some MSU basketball player was assaulted with a knife while taking out the trash," Pitcher said. "I had no idea he lived here."
She said she assumed the incident occurred near the complex because she saw police yesterday at about 5 p.m.
"This is the first (incident) I've heard about," Pitcher said. "It seemed safe until then."
2002 MSU graduate Molly Russell said she had no idea the incident occurred.
"There's kids playing all around every day. I thought it was pretty safe," said Russell, who has lived at Club Meridian for about a year.
Ockerman, 21, is a no-preference freshman. For three years before coming to MSU, he was in the Seattle Mariners' baseball organization. The organization is helping to pay for his education at MSU.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Meridian Township Police Department at (517) 347-5060 or Crime Stoppers at (517) 483-STOP.
Staff writer Melissa Domsic contributed to this report.
