McKenna Charged With Felony Aggravated Assault
Image Credit: Tessa Torres-Hoffman/Onward State
McKenna’s charges date back to Saturday, January 31, the night of Penn State’s heartbreaking loss to Michigan State at Beaver Stadium.
WRITTEN BY JAMES BLENNAU
Gavin McKenna, Penn State star forward and projected NHL Draft first overall pick, is being charged with class one felony aggravated assault, as reported by Onward State. He allegedly attempted “to cause serious bodily injury or cause injury with extreme indifference,” according to police reports.
Other charges include misdemeanor simple assault, summary harassment and disorderly conduct. According to Onward State, McKenna allegedly assaulted an unidentified person, leaving them with a broken jaw. The incident occurred while McKenna was at a downtown State College bar following the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State.
According to On3 insider Nate Bauer, an individual allegedly verbally assaulted McKenna’s mother while his and others’ families were out in State College postgame. Others tried to diffuse the situation while the alleged individual would not stop, and McKenna “knocked him out.” The incident occurred at Doggies Pub while the team and families were in a private room, according to multiple reports.
McKenna’s case is assigned to Magisterial District Judge Casey M. McClain. McClain earned his undergraduate degree at Penn State and served as an adjunct professor at Penn State Law for five years.
He also co-founded the Indigent Criminal Justice Practicum at the law school, providing students with the opportunity to work with lower-income defendants alongside public defenders. His wife, Dr. Lucy McClain, also works with the law school.
A trial has not been scheduled; however, he could face up to 20 years in Pennsylvania state prison and fines of up to $25,000 if convicted of felony charges. He was released on a $20,000 bail. McKenna’s criminal complaint was filed on Wednesday afternoon. His court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11.
Penn State Athletics stated to multiple outlets, “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.” More information will be added upon release.
