Penn State Football Player Charged with Criminal Mischief After Stray Bullet Damages Patton Township Condo

Penn State football safety Jonathan Sutherland was charged on Friday after allegedly firing a bullet that wound up inside a nearby Patton Township condo.

Sutherland, 22, faces one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief and one summary count of disorderly conduct.

According to a criminal complaint, Sutherland discharged a 9 mm handgun during a party on May 21, firing it at a line of trees across a courtyard. The stray bullet entered a nearby condo’s guest bathroom and master bathroom, causing about $2,000 in damages.

Police found Sutherland had “little to no experience” handling a firearm, according to the complaint. He allegedly said another person gave him the gun and he was told it was not loaded.

Sutherland was charged by summons. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4.

In a statement, Penn State Athletics said it’s aware of the charges filed against Sutherland.

“These alleged actions do not reflect the values and standards of our program and will be addressed,” a department spokesperson said. “We will not comment any further as this is an ongoing legal matter.”