Four Texas State University fraternity pledges were arrested Tuesday after an 18-year-old member was allegedly forced into a pickup truck during an initiation-related incident in San Marcos. Police said the young man was found with his mouth taped shut and was heard calling for help. The four suspects were charged with misdemeanor hazing, while the alleged victim was not injured. The fraternity said it was cooperating with the university and law enforcement.
| 1) | Police respond to reports of a forced boarding |
| 2) | Four students face misdemeanor hazing charges |
| 3) | Alleged victim identified as fraternity member |
| 4) | Fraternity says it is cooperating with investigators |
| 5) | Investigation focuses on an alleged initiation tradition |
Police respond to reports of a forced boarding
San Marcos police received several calls at about 10:40 p.m. Tuesday reporting that men were forcing another man into a blue pickup truck. Officers later located the vehicle at the Arba Apartments in San Marcos, where they investigated the reported incident and identified those involved as pledges associated with Texas State University’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
According to a probable cause affidavit described in court records, the 18-year-old had his mouth taped shut and was yelling for help and to be released. The police response followed calls from people who witnessed or heard the disturbance. Authorities said the circumstances led them to treat the event as a possible hazing incident connected to fraternity initiation activities.
Four students face misdemeanor hazing charges
Police arrested William Oldner, 19, Noah Lara, 20, Tyler Fogg, 18, and Wyatt Carr, 18. Each was charged with misdemeanor hazing in connection with the alleged incident. The arrests followed the discovery of the truck and the officers’ determination that the people involved were Texas State students participating in a fraternity-related activity.
The allegations concern the conduct reported Tuesday night, and the charges remain accusations. The available account does not state that the four students were charged with additional offenses. Their cases will proceed through the legal system, where the evidence and circumstances surrounding the alleged initiation activity can be examined.
Alleged victim identified as fraternity member
The alleged victim is an 18-year-old active member of the fraternity, rather than an outsider brought into the group. Police said he was not injured after being forced into the truck. The reported use of tape over his mouth and his cries for help prompted concern from people nearby and led to the emergency calls.
The incident occurred in San Marcos, where Texas State University is located, and was allegedly part of an initiation process. Investigators are expected to assess how the activity unfolded, who directed it and whether the conduct violated state law, university rules or fraternity policies.
Fraternity says it is cooperating with investigators
A spokeswoman for Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters said the organization was aware of an incident involving students associated with its Texas Mu Chapter at Texas State. The fraternity said it began gathering information after learning of the allegations and was working with the university and local law enforcement.
“Phi Delta Theta holds the safety of every member of the Fraternity as well as the individuals of the campuses and communities they are a part of, in the highest regard, and does not support or condone behavior that jeopardizes the safety of others.”
The organization said it would continue cooperating throughout the investigation. Texas State University and the four arrested students were contacted for comment, but no additional response was included in the available account.
Investigation focuses on an alleged initiation tradition
Russell Wilde, a public safety communications specialist for San Marcos, said those involved told officers the activity was a tradition associated with fraternity initiation. That explanation is central to the investigation because hazing laws and campus policies can apply even when participants describe conduct as customary or voluntary.
Police have not said how long the alleged activity lasted or who first applied the tape. The known sequence is that witnesses reported a forced boarding, officers found the truck at the apartment complex, and four pledges were arrested. Further proceedings will determine the significance of the alleged tradition and the individual responsibility of each defendant.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Four Texas State fraternity pledges were arrested Tuesday. |
| 2 | An 18-year-old member was allegedly forced into a blue pickup truck. |
| 3 | All four suspects face misdemeanor hazing charges. |
| 4 | The alleged victim was not injured, according to police. |
Summary
The arrests followed reports of an alarming fraternity initiation activity in San Marcos. Police said the alleged victim was restrained and calling for help, while the students involved described the conduct as a tradition. The criminal cases and the university and fraternity reviews will establish what occurred and whether further action is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
William Oldner, Noah Lara, Tyler Fogg and Wyatt Carr were arrested. They are Texas State students associated with Phi Delta Theta pledging activities.
What charges do they face?
All four were charged with misdemeanor hazing in connection with the alleged initiation incident.
Was the alleged victim injured?
Police said the 18-year-old fraternity member was not injured, although he was allegedly forced into a truck with his mouth taped shut and was heard asking for help.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident was reported in San Marcos, and officers later located the pickup truck at the Arba Apartments.