Paxson looks to erase criminal record

Former Penn State football player Scott Paxson, who exchanged aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault charges with a no contest plea to disorderly conduct, is asking that his original charges be expunged, or erased, from his record.

Joseph Amendola, Paxson's attorney, filed a petition Oct. 13 to expunge Paxson's arrest record, which includes sexual assault charges.

The charges stemmed from an alleged incident in December 2005 when a former student accused Paxson of sexually assaulting her in his residence.

Paxson's agent, Chuck Abel, has said he believes the charges brought against Paxson were in bad faith.

Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said yesterday that when he is formally presented with the petition he will likely sign it.

Vehicle causes four-car collision

Five vehicles were involved in an accident on Park Avenue approaching the intersection of Fox Hill Road on Tuesday afternoon.

Heidi Watson, 33, was driving a Penn State-owned Dodge Intrepid down Park Avenue when she rear-ended a vehicle, leading to the collision of four other vehicles, according to Penn State University Police. According to university police reports, there was heavy stop-and-go traffic.

Police said Watson's vehicle was the only one towed and the other four had minor damage. The other drivers all claimed minor injuries.

Police said the lane was partially closed and traffic was detoured for less than half an hour.

Laptop, camera among reported thefts

The State College Police Department reported a string of thefts from cars in residential neighborhoods on Penfield Road, Mayberry Lane and Norle Street Tuesday evening. Police said the thefts could be related, considering the location of the residences.

The reports documented the theft of a $3,000 Dell laptop from a vehicle on the 1300 block of Penfield Road; $120 Canon camera from a vehicle on the 1100 block of Mayberry Lane, and miscellaneous change stolen from three vehicles on the 400 block of Norle Street. Police also said of the vehicles were unlocked at the time of theft.

Rented generator reported stolen

A $2,200 generator was stolen Friday evening after being left unattended on the south side of Atherton Hall, Penn State University Police said. University police said the generator was being rented by a catering company and was probably going to be used for activities related to the homecoming parade.

Police said the generator was the only thing left unattended between the hours of 4:30 and 9 p.m.