High School Lacrosse Program Faces Serious Charges Over Staged Abduction Incident
Syracuse, NY – In a shocking case of alleged misconduct, members of a lacrosse program at Westhill High School are facing criminal charges for staging an armed abduction of younger players. Prosecutors described the scheme as a stunt that "went way beyond hazing."
All 11 individuals believed to be involved in the incident have surrendered to authorities and received appearance tickets for future court dates, according to the Onondaga District Attorney’s office. District Attorney William Fitzpatrick had urged the students to come forward by Thursday, stating that those who did not would face severe felony charges, including kidnapping.
The alleged events unfolded when a group of upperclassmen invited younger players to watch a game and then purportedly took them to McDonald’s. However, the situation escalated when one player was tied up, blindfolded, and placed in a car trunk. Fitzpatrick characterized the prank as a “ruse,” detailing how the driver pretended to lose their way and stopped in a secluded area where armed accomplices awaited.
During the orchestrated abduction, at least one individual was found to have a knife, while another weapon resembled a gun. Although the victim was eventually released unharmed, Fitzpatrick noted that the emotional repercussions would likely be long-lasting.
"This is criminal activity," he emphasized, stressing the potential dangers of the scenario, especially if law enforcement had intervened. Video footage of the incident has been reviewed by local authorities who have confirmed the identities of the participants, many of whom are 18 years old.
The Westhill School District has yet to comment further, but Superintendent Steve Dunham previously stated that the well-being of students would be prioritized and that misconduct would be dealt with decisively under the district’s Code of Conduct.
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