Students from a high school lacrosse team in suburban Syracuse are accused of staging a violent mock abduction of younger teammates in what prosecutors say escalated "way beyond hazing."
According to Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, the students orchestrated a fake kidnapping with new players taken to the woods in a horrifying ruse that left one player tied up in the trunk of a car.
Younger players were invited to McDonalds, but on the way, the driver chauffeuring five targets pretended to get lost, KSTP reported. Other team members waited in the woods, armed with at least one knife and a weapon that appeared to be a gun.
Some of the students managed to flee, but one victim was driven away after his hands were tied and a hood was placed over his head. He was left in the trunk of the car with no indication that the nightmare scenario was an elaborate prank. While he was eventually returned home unharmed physically, Fitzpatrick noted the emotional damage "that's going to be long term."
"This is not lighting a bag on fire on Halloween," Fitzpatrick said. "This is criminal activity."
The incident was captured on video and local sheriffs identified 11 individuals. Originally, Fitzpatrick issued a warning giving the students 48 hours to turn themselves in and face only misdemeanor charges. Those who failed to come forward by Thursday would be charged with felony kidnapping, Fitzpatrick said.
All 11 individuals turned themselves in and were given future court dates.
The Westhill School District has reportedly canceled the remainder of the varsity lacrosse season.
