On Tuesday, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick demanded that any Westhill High School students involved in a hazing incident that happened last Thursday come forward and turn themselves in within 48 hours.
Fitzpatrick announced that his office will pursue criminal charges against those responsible, calling the actions against at least two student-athletes “serious and disturbing.” In one case, he said, a victim with a pillowcase over his head was taken to a remote part of the southern part of Onondaga County, where individuals dressed in black emerged from the woods, reportedly armed with at least one handgun and a knife. The victim was tied up and placed in the trunk of a vehicle.
Fitzpatrick said that none of the victims and their families had any say on whether or not the case would be prosecuted. He said the decision was made by himself and the Onondaga County Sheriff.
The individuals involved in the alleged incident who turn themselves in to the Sheriff’s Office will be charged with misdemeanor unlawful imprisonment and released on appearance tickets. For those who don’t turn themselves in, Fitzpatrick said they will be arrested and face charges of felony kidnapping.
The incident has led to the cancellation of a second boys’ varsity lacrosse game involving Westhill since Saturday, as the investigation continues. Sources familiar with the case say about a dozen players are suspected of targeting at least two teammates.
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