Alleged hazing incident at Warren De La Salle prompts police investigation

WARREN, Mich. – Warren police are reviewing an alleged hazing incident at De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren.

Charges could possible against those who participated, even if no physical contact occurred.

UPDATE: Police complete investigation, to recommend charges against 3 students

“It depends on how far the threat of use of the broomstick went,” Local 4 legal expert Neil Rockind said. “If it got to the point that it seemed like a real threat, than one can be charged with assault. Because all that assault is someone doing an act that creates a reasonable belief on the part of another person they’re going to be assaulted.”

Hazing is illegal in Michigan, but to be charged under the law requires an injury. The other question police need to answer is what was the extent of the physical contact.

“If it went so far as holding the other person down and there’s physical contact and it was all part of the build up then, yes, that can be charged as an assault,” Rockind said.

Warren police are interviewing students and faculty. Sources claim varsity football players allegedly used broomsticks in a sexual manner to initiate younger players.

More Coverage:

• 17-year-old charged after bringing knife to Warren high school
• Investigations underway at Warren De La Salle High School after hazing, threat, knife brought to school
• Warren De La Salle football team forfeits playoff game amid allegations of hazing in team locker room
• De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren cancels classes after threat reported
• Warren police: Teen brought knife into high school to ‘get even’ with bullies
• Warren police investigate hazing allegations at De La Salle