Westhill Lacrosse Hazing Leads to Felony Charges

At least 11 members of the Westhill High School boys’ lacrosse team in Syracuse, New York, have been ordered to surrender to police within 48 hours or face felony kidnapping charges after a severe hazing incident involving five younger teammates. The older players lured the younger students to a remote wooded area under false pretenses, where masked individuals armed with what appeared to be a handgun and a knife staged a mock kidnapping. One victim was tied up, hooded, and locked in a car trunk, while others managed to escape; the incident was recorded, with some participants seemingly amused. The district attorney described the event as 'hazing on steroids' and highlighted its traumatic and serious psychological impact. Students who surrender will face misdemeanor unlawful imprisonment charges and may avoid a lasting criminal record, while those who do not could be prosecuted as adults for felony kidnapping. The varsity lacrosse season has been canceled, and authorities have pledged full prosecution.