Armed Robbery at State College Motel, Police Make Arrest: Suspect May be Charged in Other Crimes

Police are investigating another armed robbery in the State College area — the second one this week.

The latest hold-up happened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Investigators say the Nittany Budget Motel at 2070 Cato Avenue was robbed by a man wearing a military style coat. The suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money. He got away with less than $100, fleeing on foot.

A tip from an informant led to an arrest within hours.

Ferguson Township Police arrested Jonathan Tenalio, 25, late Wednesday afternoon. He was picked up at the home of a friend located on Ellman Road in Benner Twp. Police say Tenalio is being charged with robbery, theft, unlawful possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property. His home address is unknown.

Police officers from Patton Twp., State College, Penn State, Bellefonte, Spring Township Police Departments and the Pennsylvania State Police assisted in the investigation and arrest.

Ferguson Township Police say additional charges are anticipated in connection with other recent crimes in the area. More information will be released Thursday.

So far, there is no word on whether Wednesday’s robbery is linked to a hold up in College Twp. earlier this week.

On Monday night, a gunman robbed the Cove Pizzeria on East College Avenue. Employees told police the gunman was wearing a mask, camouflage jacket and a dark hooded sweatshirt.

In that case, the also suspect also brandished a gun and got away with an unknown amount of cash.