Texas State University and Phi Delta Theta fraternity are responding after four men were charged with misdemeanor hazing following an incident in San Marcos, according to city officials.
San Marcos police received multiple calls around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, reporting that several men were forcing another man into a blue pickup truck while he yelled for them to let him go, according to Russell Wilde, public safety communications specialist for the City of San Marcos.
Officers located the truck at an apartment complex and determined the incident involved members of Phi Delta Theta fraternity at Texas State, Wilde told MySA via email. The charges were first reported by KSAT 12.
The four men in the truck were fraternity pledges, while the man they allegedly forced into the vehicle was an active member of the fraternity, according to police. Those involved told officers the incident was a tradition, Wilde said.
Tyler Fogg, 18, Wyatt Carr, 18, William Oldner, 19, and Noah Lara, 20, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Court records show the men were charged with Class B misdemeanor hazing. Records filed October 21 also list magistrate warnings in connection with the cases.
In an email to MySA, Texas State University said it does not tolerate hazing by any group or individual affiliated with the university.
“Participation in hazing activities is against state law and university policy,” the university said. Due to federal privacy laws, Texas State said it could not discuss matters of student discipline.
Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters also told MySA in an email that it was aware of an incident involving several students associated with the Texas Mu Chapter at Texas State.
In an email statement to MySA, the fraternity said it began gathering information after learning of the incident and is working with the university and local law enforcement.
“The Fraternity will continue to cooperate fully throughout the investigation,” the organization said.
Phi Delta Theta also said it holds the safety of its members and the wider campus and community in high regard and does not support or condone behavior that jeopardizes the safety of others.