Onward State has received information from an open records request regarding the January 31 incident with Gavin McKenna that allegedly left a man hospitalized with serious facial injuries in downtown State College.
Previous Coverage: On February 4, Onward State reported that McKenna, an 18-year-old Penn State men’s hockey forward, was charged in connection with an alleged altercation on the 100 block of South Pugh Street late Saturday night. State College police charged him with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment. McKenna, who could face up to 20 years in prison on the felony charge, had reportedly been at a downtown bar with friends and family following the team’s outdoor game when the incident occurred.
New Information: According to an affidavit of probable cause obtained from the office of Magisterial District Judge Casey McClain, officers were dispatched to Mount Nittany Medical Center on January 31 to speak with a patient being treated for injuries from the assault. Hospital staff informed police that the victim had been punched in the face and suffered fractures on both sides of his jaw that required surgery.
Upon arrival, officers observed significant swelling, dried blood, and a missing tooth, and said the victim was in substantial pain and had difficulty speaking. Two friends in the room told officers that McKenna punched the victim twice on the right side of his face after an exchange of words between their group and McKenna’s group.
Witnesses said the assault occurred around 8:45 p.m. in front of the Pugh Street Parking Garage and recalled seeing blood on the sidewalk afterward. They also suspected McKenna and his group had been coming from Doggie’s Pub following a hockey event after Penn State’s game at Beaver Stadium.
Police reviewed State College Borough street camera footage that they say shows McKenna throwing two punches at the victim, causing him to stumble backward. Additional video reportedly captured McKenna leaving Doggie’s Pub shortly before the incident and walking eastbound on East Beaver Avenue before turning south on South Garner Street. In the footage, McKenna was observed wearing a white backwards hat, a puffer jacket, jeans, and white sneakers. Officers also photographed blood at the scene.
The victim underwent surgery on February 2 to repair the jaw fractures and his jaw will be wired shut for approximately two weeks unless further medical intervention is required.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Jack is a fourth-year finance and accounting major from Pittsburgh, PA, and is one of Onward State’s visual editors. When not enjoying boneless wings you can probably find him at A’s or at home watching Outdoor Boys videos. He can be reached by email at [email protected]
