Sept. 26--UNIVERSITY PARK -- A Penn State police officer on bicycle patrol was injured Tuesday when a car struck her at 6:36 a.m. on Park Avenue.
Jennifer Williams, 27, was flown by helicopter to Altoona Regional Hospital where she is recovering from her injuries, said State College Lt. Keith Robb.
Robb couldn't comment on the extent of Williams' injuries, but he said, "I think she's going to be OK."
Williams remained in serious condition Tuesday night, according to the hospital.
The driver of the car, Walter Browne, 56, of Bellefonte, was not injured, Robb said. Browne was traveling east in his Hyundai Elantra on Park Avenue when he struck Williams, according to police.
At the time of the accident, Williams was on a routine bike patrol on the 600 block of Park Avenue, between Bigler Road and University Drive. She has been with the force for 11/2 years, said university spokeswoman Lisa Powers.
The accident is being investigated, and Robb said the driver was not ticketed. There was no drugs or alcohol impairment suspected, he said.
"Initial indications are that there are no traffic violations at this time," Robb said.
Police did have an accident reconstructionist on the scene, Robb added. Park Avenue was closed for about two hours. It reopened at 8:45 a.m.
Powers said the Penn State community is hoping for a speedy recovery.
"We are, of course, deeply concerned any time an officer is injured," she said. "Our bicycle patrol is well-trained and always alert, but unfortunately, there are situations that result in accidents. We certainly hope for her speedy recovery."
Christopher Passante can be reached at 231-4631.
Copyright 2012 - Centre Daily Times (State College, Pa.)
