Sunday, July 27, 2025, 6:43AM | 
MENU
Advertisement

14 charged in Penn State post-game vandalism

14 charged in Penn State post-game vandalism

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Police charged 14 people in connection with an unruly street celebration following the Penn State football team's dramatic win over Ohio State two weeks ago.

An estimated 4,000 fans poured out onto a two-block area downtown after the 13-6 win over the rival Buckeyes in Columbus on Oct. 25. Authorities estimated about $7,000 in property damage, including two uprooted light poles, torn street signs and damaged cars.

Some people threw beer cans at police and a cruiser was damaged. About 25 officers used pepper spray and night sticks to break up the gathering. There were no serious injuries.

Advertisement

Four people face one count each of felony riot and other misdemeanor charges. Eight others face lesser charges including misdemeanors. Two others received summary citations for criminal mischief.

Charges were filed yesterday after police spent nearly two weeks trying to identify suspects by watching video from the Internet and street surveillance cameras. Investigators also relied on tips from the public.

Authorities are still trying identify more suspects, borough police chief Thomas King said.

Of the 14 charged so far, 10 were Penn State students. Two others are State College residents who are not students. One suspect is a student at West Virginia University and another is enrolled at the University of Maryland.

Advertisement

Among the Penn State students charged was Michael Felleter, 20, of State College, a staff photographer on assignment for The Daily Collegian, the independent campus newspaper. He faces counts of failure to disperse and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.

Chief King said officers had told news media members covering the gathering to move to a safer area, but Mr. Felleter repeatedly went into the middle of the street to take pictures.

Collegian editor Terry Casey said Mr. Felleter "was photographing the scene and left when he was told to do so."

In determining charges, the district attorney advised police that the media had an obligation to follow the same rules as the public, Chief King said.

First Published: November 7, 2008, 4:00 p.m.

RELATED
Comments Disabled For This Story
Partners
Advertisement
A huge Canadian flag carried by a crowd in Montreal in 1995, before a referendum on Quecec’s independence. Dennis Jett suggests Pennsylvania do the same in reverse.
1
opinion
Dennis Jett: Pennsylvania should become part of Canada
New cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) gets into position prior to a play during practice on the first day of Steelers Training Camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe Thursday, July 24, 2025.
2
sports
Steelers training camp observations: Jalen Ramsey-led defense comes out 'aggressive and angry'
There is a large covered porch at the front of the house at 115 Forest Hills Road in Forest Hills.
3
life
Buying Here: Forest Hills home in its own 'mini-forest' listed for $425,000
Several houses are shown along N. Dallas Avenue near Penn Avenue in Point Breeze with “For Sale” signs in the front yard, Friday, March 21, 2025.
4
business
A cooling market and patient buyers are causing many Pittsburgh home sellers to cut their prices
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.
5
sports
Off The Bat: Mitch Keller's Pirates tenure wasn't supposed to go like this
Advertisement
LATEST breaking
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story