Trae Jones

Police are investigating a shooting Friday that injured a Western Kentucky University football player.

Trae Jones, 21, was taken to The Medical Center for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound that he apparently suffered just after 2:15 a.m. at Chocolate City, a nightclub at 421 Scott Way, according to Bowling Green Police Department spokesman Officer Ronnie Ward.

Jones is a redshirt junior defensive lineman from Cusseta, Ga. The incident occurred hours after WKU defeated Rice 46-14 in the Hilltoppers’ season-opening game at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

Details about the circumstances of the shooting were scant Friday morning, but Ward said the probe began when a woman went to The Medical Center and said she had been assaulted. Officers investigating her claim were eventually led to Jones, who apparently had been shot outside the club.

WKU issued a statement about the incident later Friday morning.

“Junior defensive lineman Trae Jones was wounded in his left shoulder by a stray bullet earlier this morning at an off-campus location,” the statement said. “The injury is non-life threatening, he received no large structural damage, and is under physician care. 

“Bowling Green Police have not levied any charges against Jones. All other police matters should be directed to the Bowling Green Police Department.” 

Jones did not appear in WKU’s win Thursday. The 6-foot-1, 280-pound Jones didn’t see any action in 2015 as a redshirt sophomore after appearing in five games and posting three tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2014.

Jones came to WKU in the Class of 2013 from Chattahoochee County (Ga.) High School.