No one so far has shown any interest in pursuing criminal charges relating to Elk River High School hazing incidents, the Elk River chief of police said Friday.

Chief Jeffrey Beahen said his investigators had formal interviews with about a dozen players whom they believe to be directly involved in the hazing incidents. He said there were two more players who remained to be interviewed.

Beahen added that his department is having a tough time getting people to talk.

"We've talked to some people who had told us what happened," Beahen said. "When asked if they wished to pursue charges, they said, no, they don't; they feel the [Elk River school] district can handle it through their own internal processes. ... Now, individuals are just plain refusing to speak with us."

The district has suspended the varsity football program at least through the weekend while it conducts its own investigation. District officials said they have interviewed 50 football players, as well as the team's coaches.

The hazing apparently occurred Monday and Tuesday, between morning and afternoon football practices.

Players were accosted in the school wrestling room, forced to the floor and struck or poked on or near the buttocks with broom or mop handles, Beahen said. The players were wearing their football gear and were not forced to disrobe.

The incidents came to light with complaint calls from parents of black players, a source told the Star Tribune. District officials soon discovered, however, that white players also were hazed and that the choice of victims appeared random.

The Elk River school board is scheduled to meet in a closed session Sunday to discuss the district's findings.

A Minneapolis law firm -- Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney -- is conducting the district's investigation.

Norman Draper • 612-673-4547