UConn suspends fraternity following hazing allegations

A University of Connecticut fraternity was suspended after its former president was arrested twice last week in connection with an alleged hazing incident and assault.

Lambda Theta Phi fraternity was notified Thursday that its campus chapter has been suspended and must cease operations while school officials investigate allegations of hazing that allegedly occurred in February.

David Vallejo, 23, president of the Lambda Theta Phi fraternity, was arrested last week in connection with the hazing allegations.

The UConn fraternity president is accused of assaulting a new member during a hazing incident

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the allegations were discovered when a person went to Troop C in Tolland and asked to speak to a trooper about an alleged assault on Feb. 8 and 9, state police said.

Officers learned the victim was a UConn student. It was alleged that the victim was assaulted by Vallejo, the head pledge master and former president of the fraternity, on February 8 and 9 during the admission process. During the initiation process, harassment occurred and the victim was physically attacked, the affidavit states.

The allegations reportedly occurred at a home on Tolland Turnpike in Willington.

“The university takes a zero-tolerance approach to behavior that endangers others and is committed to providing safe, healthy and respectful environments across all UConn organizations and on the UConn campus,” UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said in an explanation.

“Lambda Theta Phi has operated a campus chapter at UConn since 1991,” Reitz said. “His suspension will be effective immediately while the investigation continues.”

Reitz added that Vallejo was also arrested Tuesday by campus police on charges of third-degree strangulation, disorderly conduct and third-degree assault, according to the UConn Police Department.

Police said Vallejo stopped the victim’s breathing on March 21 when he held his forearm over his neck. The victim reportedly owed Vallejo money.