4 students face charges in alleged Schalick High School hazing incident

PITTSGROVE, N.J. (WTXF) - Four students at a New Jersey high school are facing multiple charges following an investigation into an alleged hazing incident involving the school's wrestling team.

The Salem County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday that four juveniles have been charged with aggravated assault, criminal restraint, hazing, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and other related charges.

Authorities say the charges stem from allegations that those juvenile suspects stripped a victim in the shower, retrained him, and threatened to assault him with a broomstick.

New Jersey State Police are assisting the prosecutor's office in the ongoing investigation.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Hoopes released the following statement in response to the investigation and assured parents and students that attending school and extracurricular activities would present no further risk to students.

"Earlier this week, the district administration became aware of certain events which apparently transpired in connection with the high school's wrestling programs. These events are the subject of ongoing investigation by both the district and law enforcement officials. Because of these pending investigations, and because the corrective actions which have been taken and are being considered involve students and staff, I am unable at this time to provide more details. However, I do want to make it clear that the district has dealt with all of the current issues promptly and appropriately and that attendance at the high school and participation in sports and extracurricular activities present no special risk to any student."

Anyone who has any information about the incident is urged to contact the New Jersey State Police at (856) 451 0101.