Four pledges from the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at Texas State University have been arrested on misdemeanor hazing charges. The arrests follow allegations that the students forced an 18-year-old into a pickup truck during an initiation ritual late Tuesday night.
Police responded to calls around 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday regarding individuals forcing a man into a blue pickup truck. Officers located the vehicle at the Arba Apartments in San Marcos. According to a probable cause affidavit, the 18-year-old victim was forced into the truck with his mouth taped shut and was heard yelling for help.
The arrested individuals have been identified as William Oldner, 19; Noah Lara, 20; Tyler Fogg, 18; and Wyatt Carr, 18. The 18-year-old victim, who is an active member of the fraternity, was not injured. Authorities were told by those involved that the incident was a fraternity tradition.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has been advocating for stricter hazing laws, citing the case of Madison “Maddie” Smith, a student who died at the University of Alabama in 2021 following a hazing incident.
A spokeswoman for Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters stated that the fraternity is aware of the incident involving the Texas Mu Chapter at Texas State University. The organization is gathering information and collaborating with the university and 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 spokeswoman said.
Texas State University and the arrested students were contacted for comment. This incident occurs amidst a broader national conversation about fraternity hazing, with several universities and organizations implementing stricter policies and crackdowns on such activities.