MSU Frat Guy Gets DUI on Tractor

SPD probes tractor theft as possible hazing incident
By BRIAN HAWKINS/Starkville Daily News

An overnight incident in which a member of a Mississippi State fraternity stole a tractor from a Starkville construction site and drove it onto campus has Police Department detectives investigating whether hazing may have been involved.

David Adam Eldridge, 20, of 113 Mosswood Lane, Clinton, was charged with grand larceny and DUI (first offense) in connection with the incident, which was occurred between midnight Thursday and 12:34 a.m. Friday.

Eldridge remained held on in the Oktibbeha County Jail Friday night on a bond of $8,476.

According to Starkville police reports, Eldridge, who officers later confirmed was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, took a $25,000 John Deere 5520 tractor from an apartment construction site on Russell Street at Planter's Row around midnight Thursday. SPD Sgt. Bill Lott would not comment on whether the key was left in the tractor or if it was "hot-wired."

Between midnight and the time of his arrest more than a half-hour later, he was seen driving the tractor past the Cheers bar in the former La Galerie shopping center then back east toward Highway 12, witnesses told police.

He then reportedly drove the tractor west on Highway 12 toward Spring Street, turning back onto Bully Boulevard to the MSU campus. He then drove the tractor onto C.O. Sheely Circle behind Fraternity Row, stopping behind the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house when stopped by MSU police officers, reports state.

The owner of the tractor reclaimed it as Eldridge was taken into custody by Starkville police officers, reports state.

Though he would not give specific details, Lott said "certain information" obtained in the investigation has resulted in a further probe to determine if the incident might have resulted from hazing involving other Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity members.

Lott said officers have spoken with MSU Director of Student Life Eddie Keith, whose office oversees campus Greek organizations, about the incident and the ongoing investigation.

Keith confirmed for police that Eldridge was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. Lott said.

Depending on what the investigation reveals, additional arrests could occur, Lott said.

"If this is indeed hazing incident, it could lead to the arrests of others," Lott said. "They would be charged according to their level of participation in the incident."

Under state law, those charged in hazing incidents could be charged with either first or second degree hazing.

First degree hazing involves conduct that causes actual injury or "intentionally or recklessly creates" a substantial risk of physical injury to an individual or to a third person.

The penalty for a first degree hazing conviction is a fine of $2,000 or six months in jail or both.

Second degree hazing involves conduct that "intentionally or recklessly creates" a substantial risk of physical injury to an individual or to a third person. The penalty for second degree hazing conviction is a $1,000 fine.