Towson, Baltimore Co. Police Investigate Alleged Hazing

A Towson University student has been hospitalized since becoming involved in a fraternity pledge initiation off-campus Thursday night.

An email to WBAL NewsRadio 1090 from a family member of the victim alleges that the male student was forced to eat cat food and a liquid he was told was vinegar and pickle juice by members of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Hours later, the student started vomiting blood and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains. The relative says the student from Baltimore suffered damage to his tongue, esophagus, intestinal lining and stomach.

Towson University spokesman Ray Feldmann told WBAL News Radio 1090 that they are aware of an incident involving a Towson University student and that the incident is currently under joint investigation by university and Baltimore County police. Feldmann said that county police are involved because the incident is alleged to have occurred off campus.

"Towson University takes any allegation of hazing very seriously and deals with it swiftly," Feldmann said.

Baltimore County Police Cpl. John Wachter confirmed that detectives were contacted by Towson officials about the incident Tuesday afternoon and that their detectives are investigating.