Charges have been filed against 24 students at Tarleton State University after alleged hazing led to students being hospitalized in April.
Police claim that in separate Tarleton State hazing incidents, suspected alcohol “initiations proceedings” took place for two intramural softball teams at the school.
Officers learned about one of the hazing incidents while responding to an off-campus house for a noise complaint. During that response, police discovered two students in “obvious medical distress” who were taken to the hospital in serious condition, reports the Star-Telegram.
Police later learned about another party that led to three students being taken to the hospital with alcohol poisoning.
All five students were released from the hospital the following day.
“We took this seriously the moment it occurred that night … and investigated it very thoroughly to ensure that all those involved that needed to answer for their conduct were brought into the justice system,” Stephenville Police Chief Jason King said.
Now police have issued 72 warrants related to the incident. As of June 13, 12 people had been arrested or turned themselves in.
King said the vast majority of the students facing charges have made arrangements to turn themselves in.
For some suspects, charges include disorderly conduct, providing alcohol to a minor and public intoxication.
Tarleton State is located in Fort Worth and is part of the Texas A&M University System. The school has an enrollment of approximately 12,000.
