Pedestrian Seriously Injured, Charges Pending After Hit-and-Run Crash in State College

Charges are pending against a 19-year-old suspect after a Penn State student sustained serious injuries in a hit-and-run crash early Friday morning in State College.

The crash happened at about 12:30 a.m. when a driver struck a 21-year-old pedestrian at the intersection of West Beaver Avenue and South Gill Street, borough police wrote in a media release.

The driver left the scene of the crash, but the striking vehicle was later located with the assistance of state police, according to the release. Patton Township police also assisted with the investigation.

Alpha Fire Company established a landing zone at Community Field on South Atherton Street for a State MedEvac helicopter, and the pedestrian was flown to the trauma center at UPMC Williamsport for treatment.

West Beaver Avenue was closed in the area of the crash for more than two hours, according to PennDOT.

While formal charges are pending, the investigation remains active. Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150, by email or by submitting an anonymous tip online.

It is the second time a Penn State student has been seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in State College this year.

A 20-year-old woman was hospitalized with critical injuries following a Feb. 7 crash at the intersection of East Beaver Avenue and South Garner Street. A 33-year-old Lock Haven man, who police said had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, was charged in that case in April with felony counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, and an accident involving death or injury, as well as misdemeanor counts of DUI.