A Mississippi State baseball player has been accused of hitting a female victim in the back of her head, according to a court document.
An affidavit The Dispatch obtained from Starkville municipal court on Monday says Luke Hancock, on Aug. 1, committed domestic violence against the victim by “grabbing her with his hands and pushing her from behind and striking her on the back of her head.” The affidavit says the incident happened on University Drive.
The nature of Hancock’s relationship to the victim is redacted, but according to state statute, domestic violence can include violence assaults against spouses or former spouses, family members and dating or former dating partners.
Hancock is facing a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence-simple assault, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Starkville police arrested Hancock on Sunday, according to arrest records at the Oktibbeha County Jail. He’s since been released on bond. Mississippi State announced on Monday that it was aware of the incident and that Hancock has been suspended indefinitely while the university gathers more information.
Hancock is a catcher from Houston who enrolled in classes and joined the baseball team this fall.
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