Four pledges at a Texas State University fraternity were arrested on Tuesday after an 18-year-old was allegedly forced into a pickup truck and heard screaming, according to police.
Police officers received several calls about men who were allegedly forcing another man into a blue pickup truck at around 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Russell Wilde, public safety communications specialist for the city of San Marcos, told Fox News Digital.
According to KSAT, a probable cause affidavit by law enforcement stated that an 18-year-old man was forced into a truck with his mouth taped shut and was yelling for help and to be let go.
Officers later located the truck at the Arba Apartments in San Marcos and determined the incident involved Texas State University Phi Delta Theta fraternity pledges, according to court documents.
Police took the following students into custody: William Oldner, 19, Noah Lara, 20, Tyler Fogg, 18, and Wyatt Carr, 18.
The 18-year-old who was forced into the pickup truck is an active member of the fraternity and was not injured.
Wilde said they were taking part in a tradition that was part of their fraternity initiation.
“Those involved told officers the incident was a tradition,” Wilde said.
All men were arrested on misdemeanor hazing charges.
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A spokeswoman for Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters told Fox News Digital it is aware of the alleged hazing incident.
“Phi Delta Theta is aware of an incident involving several students associated with the Texas Mu Chapter at Texas State University. Upon learning of the matter, Phi Delta Theta began gathering information and is working closely with the university and local law enforcement. The Fraternity will continue to cooperate fully throughout the investigation,” the spokeswoman said. “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.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Texas State University and Carr, Oldner, Lara and Fogg for comment.