Crime & Safety
Cromwell-Portland Football Player Charged With Hazing, Coach on Leave
The minor is accused of hazing four other players. The head coach has been suspended.
A player on the Cromwell-Portland football team was arrested and charged with hazing and breach of peace for an alleged incident that happened before a practice last week.
The juvenile player allegedly struck four teammates with a belt before practice at Cromwell High School, Cromwell Police said.
Parents of two juveniles went to the department on Aug. 25 to report the incident.
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Multiple students were interviewed and School Resource Officer Jason Tolton conducted the investigation.
An unknown team member turned off the lights before the incident, police said. Victims sustained minor injuries.
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“Although it appears other members of the football team were actively involved in the incident, due to conflicting statements we were unable to establish probably cause t charge any other team members,” police said in a release.
Head Coach Chris Eckert has been placed on administrative leave while the school system investigates, according to the Middletown Press.
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