ESU football player suspended after alleged burglary arrest

TOPEKA (KSNT) - An Emporia State University football player is suspended indefinitely after being arrested in relation to an alleged Emporia apartment burglary while a family was inside.

19-year-old Michael Hourel, a linebacker with ESU, joined the hornets as part of the Jan. 2024 recruiting class. A spokesman with Emporia State Athletics told 27 News that due to this arrest, Hourel is on indefinite suspension.

This suspension means no participation in any intercollegiate athletics activities at ESU.

We are aware of the situation and are awaiting the law enforcement process to run it’s course. We have no additional comments at this time.

Statement from Donald Weast, ESU Assoc. AD/Media Relations

According to Emporia police, an officer responded to an apartment complex in the 1800 block of Merchant Street.

A woman told officers that she woke up and found an unknown man inside the apartment. Allegedly, the man pushed her against the wall and tried to cover her mouth. The report says the woman was still able to scream, which alerted her husband and two children. On Sunday, June 30, Hourel was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and aggravated assault.

The EPD is continuing to collect information on this case. If you want to share tips with the EPD, call 620-343-4225. You can also send anonymous tips to Lyon County Crime Stoppers by calling 620-342-2273.

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