A former Saint Louis School football player has been charged with assault after allegedly attacking a coach during a high school scrimmage earlier this month. The incident has drawn attention within Hawaii’s prep sports community and raised concerns about interactions between alumni and their former schools.
Fred Ulu-Perry, 28, was charged with second-degree assault following an incident during a scrimmage between Saint Louis and Farrington high schools on August 2, according to KITV. Police arrested Ulu-Perry last Thursday, and prosecutors filed charges two days later.
From Star Player to Suspect
Ulu-Perry had a notable high school career at Saint Louis, where he was named a first-team All-State offensive lineman in 2014. Known for his athleticism and size, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing nearly 300 pounds, he received a full scholarship to UCLA before transferring to the University of Hawaii.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. during the scrimmage at Farrington High School, when Ulu-Perry allegedly charged toward coach Tupu Alualu from the sidelines, according to Hawaii News Now. The 53-year-old coach was reportedly attacked in what police describe as an assault causing substantial bodily injury.
Social Media Explanation and Video Evidence
In the days following the confrontation, Ulu-Perry took to Instagram to explain his version of events, expressing that he felt disrespected by Alualu, as reported by Aloha State Daily. The incident was captured on video and quickly circulated on local social media pages, drawing widespread attention to the confrontation. Ulu-Perry is not currently associated with the Saint Louis program beyond his status as a former player.
Second-degree assault is a Class C felony in Hawaii, carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. The charge suggests prosecutors believe the attack resulted in substantial bodily injury or involved the use of a dangerous instrument.
Team Moves Forward Despite Distraction
Despite the off-field turmoil, Saint Louis successfully opened their season with a shutout victory over Kahuku. The Crusaders overcame the pre-game distractions to deliver a dominant performance on the road, according to Aloha State Daily.
Defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer credited head coach Alualu for maintaining team focus and establishing a culture of discipline. "We don't want to get into fights, we don't want to do those things." He added, "We want to play Saint Louis football," Kaumeyer told Spectrum Local News.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Ulu-Perry remains in custody as the case moves through the legal system. The matter has attracted attention due to the nature of the incident and his prior recognition as an ESPN-ranked recruit.
