HUTCHINSON, Kan., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- A Kansas high school student was charged in an incident involving the scarring of four freshman football players with a heated coat hanger, prosecutors said.
The unidentified juvenile, a student at Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Kan., was charged with aggravated battery, a felony, in a possible hazing incident in which players allegedly burned and scarred younger players, the Wichita Eagle reported Tuesday.
The Hutchinson News reported Friday three students were arrested for allegedly burning four freshman players on their abdomens.
Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder said he did not want to minimize the possibility a hazing or bullying crime was committed, or overreact to an incident that could be less serious. He added it was too early to tell if the injuries will lead to permanent disfigurement.
A statement from school officials said head football coach Randy Dreiling was made aware of "an alleged hazing incident" Thursday, and after investigating, "turned the matter over to HHS administrators and Hutchinson police to investigate."
