The boys' varsity lacrosse season at Westhill High School in Syracuse, New York, has been canceled following a serious incident involving at least 11 players who face potential felony kidnapping charges. These high school athletes allegedly victimized five younger players in an act that Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick described as 'way beyond hazing.' The incident involved tricking a younger player into a fake kidnapping scenario, including being tied up and placed in a car trunk, before being abandoned in a remote area. The district attorney has given the suspects a 48-hour window to surrender to authorities, or they will face more severe charges and be prosecuted as adults. In response, the school district is investigating and reassessing the program's culture, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards hazing due to its potentially harmful psychological and physical effects.

The Westhill High School varsity lacrosse season was canceled after allegations surfaced that 11 players were involved in a serious incident against younger teammates, classified as 'way beyond hazing' by authorities.

The alleged incident involved tricking a younger player into believing he was being kidnapped, including accomplices dressed in black with fake weapons, leading to the victim being tied up and left in a remote area.

District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the suspects to turn themselves in to face misdemeanor charges, warning that failure to comply will result in more severe felony kidnapping charges.

Video evidence of the incident shows some suspects found the ordeal amusing, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and its impact on the victim, who believed he might be abandoned.

The school district, led by Superintendent Stephen Dunham, is conducting its own investigation and has emphasized the need to address and reset the lacrosse program's culture to prevent future incidents.

The district's policy strictly prohibits hazing in any form, recognizing its potential to cause significant emotional and physical harm, and has committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students.

The community has been left in shock as the legal proceedings unfold, with the district attorney assuring that those responsible will be identified and held accountable if they do not voluntarily surrender.