Three Rye teens were arraigned in Monday night in connection with an alleged hazing incident last Friday involving several younger students. The younger students were reportedly upcoming freshmen at .
Several news reports claim the incident stemmed from "Freshmen Friday" activities that traditionally include pranks and hazing of incoming high school students by upperclassmen.
Joint charges of felony assault in the second degree, and two misdemeanors- hazing in the first degree and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree were filed against three youth from Rye: Max Meyerson, age 16, Sean Pinson and Tristan Scragg, both 17, following an investigation by the Westchester County Police and Rye City Police Department.
According to a statement from the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the alleged incident involved at least two victims who were taken by car from to county managed also in Rye. According to the Westchester County Police, the victims were "'paddled' multiple times with a large piece of lumber, causing bruising and other injuries to their buttocks and legs."
Superintendent Dr. Edward Shine said Monday, "While this incident did not occur on school grounds or as part of any school activity, we strongly condemn anything that results in pain, injury or humiliation of students. This is currently a police matter and the district is cooperating fully with their investigation. Pending the outcome of the police investigation, students may be disciplined if deemed appropriate. We encourage parents to come forward to police with any knowledge of this matter."
According to the website Inside Hazing, 1.5 million high school students are involved in hazing incidents annually. It cites a 1999 Alfred University study that claims 92 percent of high school students will not report a hazing, and of these respondents, 59 percent know of hazing activities and 21 percent admit to being involved in hazing.
County Police say the investigation remains open. In a statement released Monday night, they requested anyone with information contact county police
detectives at 1-877-220-3560 or submit tips by text and email at TIPS@WCCOPS.COM. All information will be kept confidential.
