Penn State employee Heather Harpster, 33, is in critical condition at Altoona Hospital after an accident Tuesday at the intersection of University Drive and Curtin Road, State College Police said yesterday.

According to State College Police, a Chevrolet Blazer was traveling westbound on Curtin Road and was about to make a left onto University Drive.

At the same time, Harpster, of Port Matilda, had gotten the "walk" crosswalk sign and was in the middle of crossing the road when the accident occurred.

Police said yesterday they are still unsure whether charges will be filed against the driver of the car, Matt Rosh, 29, of Beech Creek, because it is still unclear who was at fault for the accident.

Police reports said Harpster was walking from the Shields Building to the parking lot west of Beaver Stadium, where she had parked her car.

Harper is a part-time, wage payroll employee at the Shields Building, Amy Pancoast, data services supervisor, said.

Andrea Knoll (sophomore-film and video), who was walking beside Harpster, said she saw the vehicle coming about 10 feet away from them and jumped back.

However, Knoll said it was too late for Harpster to get out of the way.

According to police reports, Harpster was thrown 34 feet from the point of impact.

Knoll said Harpster was able to sit up after she landed on the pavement and could make out some of her words.

Knoll added that Harpster was then put on a stretcher and taken away by an ambulance.

Because of Harpster's condition, her co-workers have been collecting donations for her, Pencoast said.

"I hope she's well and able to come back soon, but that's her decision," Pencoast said.