UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State University Police Department has arrested Charles Thomas Hitechew, 22, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, for allegedly making a threat that targeted Beaver Stadium during the upcoming football season.
The threat was shared on Twitter on Wednesday, Aug. 8. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by University Police and the FBI.
Hitechew has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats.
Hitechew was arraigned Thursday, Aug. 23, before Magisterial District Judge Casey McClain in State College and released on unsecured bail of $15,000.
“Penn State takes every threat seriously. The safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors is our first priority. An investigation was initiated as soon as we were made aware of the threat, and investigators worked diligently to identify a suspect and make an arrest,” said University Park Police Chief Keith Morris.
The investigation began after another Twitter user reported the activity to authorities.
“We again remind everyone that if they see something, say something,” Morris said.
As part of longstanding practice, sporting events and other large-scale activities on campus have an increased police presence supplemented by outside law enforcement agencies, including Pennsylvania State Police, with additional security measures in place.
Security measures at Beaver Stadium are reviewed continuously. Currently, Penn State provides security screenings at entry gates using metal detection wands. Backpacks, bags and purses are not permitted, and all items carried into the stadium are subject to inspection.