4 Charged In Plainfield Central 'Hazing' Incident

PLAINFIELD, IL — An alleged hazing incident involving student athletes at Plainfield Central High School has resulted in pending battery charges against four students, according to the Plainfield Police Department. The charges stem from an incident that happened last week.

District 202 on Friday notified Plainfield Police about an incident that took place Thursday afternoon between an unknown number of students at Plainfield Central, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive. A police investigation confirmed the incident, but found no bodily harm took place, police said in a statement.

The investigation has also determined that the incident does not meet the legal standard of "hazing," as it was not done as part of an induction process and did not include bodily harm, according to Plainfield Police. The department did, however, charge four students with misdemeanor battery in the case, it said.

Plainfield Police did not release information about the events of the incident. The department said Monday that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A spokesperson for District 202 said the district referred the matter to police after hearing of the incident, and that it is working with authorities and will take disciplinary action.

Plainfield Central Principal Dave Stephens sent a note to school families Monday that condemned the incident. The note reads in full:

"Late last week, PHS administration became aware of a situation of potential hazing involving student-athletes. Once aware of the situation, the administration began an [sic] school-based investigation and also referred the incident to local law enforcement. Based upon results that investigation, school discipline will be administered as appropriate as well possible criminal charges. These types of actions or conduct are not tolerated by District 202 and all of our schools are reviewing current polices, practices, and procedures to ensure the safety of our students and student-athletes."