Penn State Police Investigate Reported Rape

The Penn State University Police department is investigating a reported rape that happened sometime last January.

The alleged assault took place in a field adjacent to Innovation Park. That’s about a mile from the University Park campus.

The victim told investigators she knows the man who assaulted her. According to police, the woman and the alleged assailant went to the field by mutual agreement sometime late at night.

Penn State University Police Chief Tyrone Parham says the investigation is just getting underway and that no arrests have been made.

The victim, who is not a student, told police she was sexually assaulted sometime between Jan. 1 and Jan. 30.

Noting that the incident was reported nine months after the fact, Parham says that makes no difference. “We want victims to know it’s never too late to report a rape. Nationally, it’s one of the most under-reported crimes.”

Police ask that people take the following precautions:

• Do not walk alone. Please call 814-865-WALK, for a free security escort

• Report suspicious behavior to University Police immediately

• If you feel you are in an unsafe environment, get to a safe place immediately and call for help

If you have any information this sexual assault please contact Penn State University Police at (814) 863-1111.

You can also submit a tip to Centre County Crimestoppers at this email address: tip@centrecountycrimestoppers.org. Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.