Police Interrupt Fraternity's Kidnapping Prank

Seven West Virginia University students are facing charges after police say an Arlington man was beaten and stuffed into the trunk of a car. And it was all part of a fraternity prank, according to Morgantown, W.Va., Police Chief Ed Preston.

Just before noon on Wednesday, officers responded to a report that a large group was beating and kidnapping a man on a street in Morgantown.

Officers arrived to find the suspects with scrapes on their hands and knees from an apparent fight as they attempted to drive off in a Nissan Altima, according to Preston.

In the trunk: the 21-year-old Arlington resident found bound with duct tape.

Upon further investigation, officers found that the entire incident was part of a fraternity prank for the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, according to police.

The seven students involved, all between 18 and 21 years old, now face charges of disorderly conduct.

West Virginia University issued a statement on Wednesday:

“Roy Baker, associate dean of students and director of Greek Life, immediately contacted the fraternity’s national chapter, and said his office is looking into the matter that is being investigated by Morgantown Police and will take appropriate action once all the facts are known.”