UConn frat boy is charged with strangling new member during hazing initiation

David Vallejo, 23, (right) was in charge of initiating new members of the Lambda Theta Phi Latin fraternity at the University of Connecticut, and is accused of assault during hazing

A college pledgemaster faces assault charges for reportedly pushing a freshman recruit against a wall and choking him during a hazing incident.

David Vallejo, 23, oversaw the initiation of new members into the Lambda Theta Phi Latin fraternity at the University of Connecticut. This included a 'military-style' camp on February 8 and 9, during the fifth and sixth days of the initiation process at a house on the Tolland Turnpike in Willington.

Vallejo was arrested on May 3 and charged with disorderly conduct, third-degree assault, third-degree strangulation/ suffocation and second-degree unlawful restraint

During the camp, Vallejo adopted an authoritative demeanor, reminiscent of an old-school drill sergeant, and had the pledges recite the fraternity's 'code' while enforcing physical discipline such as pushups for mistakes made.

According to a Connecticut State Police warrant, one freshman alleged that Vallejo threw him across the room when he was unable to continue pushups due to exhaustion. Later, Vallejo pushed him against a wall and choked him, relenting only when the freshman started crying.

The next day, the hazing continued with more physical tasks. When the freshman struggled due to bruises from the previous day's events, Vallejo allegedly became enraged and pushed him again, this time forcing his forearm against the student's neck.

One freshman alleged Vallejo (second from left) 'threw him across the room' when he got tired from doing pushups, and later pushed him against a wall and choked him

The freshman ultimately quit the fraternity via text the following day, citing the abusive behavior during the initiation process. When he returned to give back his uniform, Vallejo allegedly assaulted him again.

Police issued an arrest warrant for Vallejo after reviewing photos of the alleged victim's injuries.

He was charged with disorderly conduct, third-degree assault, third-degree strangulation/suffocation, and second-degree unlawful restraint. Vallejo was released on $30,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on May 21.

On his LinkedIn profile, Vallejo described himself as a 'motivated student' with skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. He emphasized effective communication, patience, and a strong work ethic, listing various experiences including canvassing, working as a field official, and interning in a government relations/lobbying firm.