Wrestling team threatened to assault classmate with a broomstick: cops

Four student wrestlers at a New Jersey high school threatened to assault a classmate with a broomstick during a hazing ritual, officials said.

The students, all of whom attend Arthur P. Schalick High School in Pittsgrove Township, are not being publicly identified. They are charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, criminal restraint, hazing and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan told NJ.com. None of the teens were detained after they were charged.

On Saturday, members of the school’s wrestling team, the Cougars, allegedly stripped the victim in the shower, restrained him, and threatened to attack him with a broomstick, police said.

Pittsgrove Township School District Superintendent Scott Hoopes said the school launched an investigation and was working with New Jersey State Police after learning about the alleged hazing.

“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,” Hoopes told the Daily Journal.

“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.”

The wrestling team was scheduled to compete at a tournament Saturday, but will no longer participate, the school said.

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