An Emporium man was charged with indecent assault after an alleged incident at a State College residence.
At 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 25, State College Police responded to a report of disorderly conduct, according to a criminal complaint. The caller, Tyler Bidwell, 25, reportedly told police that another man had damaged his vehicle.
Once on the scene, police say they learned that the man had kicked Bidwell’s vehicle because he was angry that Bidwell had inappropriately touched him. The two had met through a mutual friend.
Police said Bidwell, the man he allegedly touched and others had been drinking earlier in the night at a residence on West College Avenue before going to a bar, where Bidwell was refused entry because he was intoxicated. The man reportedly told police that when he returned he fell asleep sitting up on the living room couch.
The man allegedly woke up a short time later to find his pants pulled to his knees and Bidwell’s hands inside of the man’s underwear and fondling him. After realizing what was happening, the man pushed Bidwell away and left the living room shouting not to touch him, according to the complaint. The man reportedly alerted his roommates about what happened.
Police said Bidwell almost fell several times and showed clear signs of intoxication so he was transported by ambulance to Mount Nittany Medical Center.
In addition to the first-degree misdemeanor charge of indecent assault of an unconscious person, Bidwell also faces a summary charge of harassment.
He was arraigned via summons on Friday by District Judge Steven Lachman. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 29.
