MOSCOW, Idaho – The family of Austen Dawson, a DoorDash driver seriously injured in a September 2023 fight near the University of Idaho campus, is considering legal action after the Moscow Police Department and Latah County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file criminal charges against the other individual involved, Arath Chavez. [https://www.uidaho.edu/news/news-releases/no-charges-filed-september-assault-near-university-campus](https://www.uidaho.edu/news/news-releases/no-charges-filed-september-assault-near-university-campus)
Details of the Incident and Investigation
Table of Contents
The altercation occurred near the Phi Delta Theta house on September 17, 2023. Investigators reviewed witness statements, video footage, and medical records, concluding the fight was “mutual.” Authorities stated Dawson’s head struck the pavement, and the most severe injuries resulted from that impact, not from punches thrown during the confrontation.[https://www.moscow-id.gov/1338/Police-Department](https://www.moscow-id.gov/1338/Police-Department)
Family Disputes Findings
Adam Dawson, Austen’s father, strongly disputes the official account. He claims the police report contradicts available video and audio evidence, describing the situation as “astounding” and “disturbing.” He asserts the fight,while possibly starting as consensual,escalated to a point where his son was unable to consent to continued physical harm.
“Now, it might have been an agreed upon fight between the two of them, prior to that. But once somebody is incapacitated, they don’t have the capability of continuing to agree to a fight,” Adam Dawson stated.
Discord Evidence and Concerns
Adam Dawson also highlighted a video shared on Discord as crucial evidence. He believes the police misidentified voices in the recording, specifically stating his son did not utter statements attributed to him in the police report. He maintains he can definitively identify his son’s voice.
Current Status and legal Options
Austen Dawson continues to recover from his injuries, still experiencing physical effects such as black eyes. [https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article279299994.html](https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article279299994.html) The Dawson family is currently reviewing their legal options, with Adam Dawson stating, “I don’t see how we have any other option to be honest.”
Moscow Police Department Chief Anthony Dahlinger has declined to provide further comment on the matter.
Key Takeaways
- The Moscow police Department and Latah County Prosecutor’s Office have declined to press charges in the September 2023 assault of Austen Dawson.
- The Dawson family disputes the official findings, citing discrepancies between the police report and available evidence, including a video on Discord.
- The family is exploring potential legal action.
Keep reading