A.M. BRIEFING: Thursday

Assault case hearing delayed until August

The preliminary hearing for the 25-year-old Philadelphia man charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a State College apartment in March was continued until August while prosecutors continue to investigate.

Murad Hanif is charged with sexual assault and indecent assault after a woman reported to police that Hanif intercepted her as she was walking to her dorm room and took her back to a Hamilton Avenue apartment where he assaulted her.

Hanif’s attorney, Karen Muir, said she too is continuing to investigate the case, “and I look forward to defending this matter starting with the preliminary hearing.”

State College police arrested Hanif last week after DNA evidence showed he was most likely the woman’s assailant.

Two teens seriously injured in ATV crash

Two teenagers were seriously injured after the all-terrain vehicle they were riding crashed Sunday with a Ford Bronco in Gulich Township, Clearfield County.

State police didn’t identify the teens, but said neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing helmets. They were both taken to the children’s hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment.

The ATV collided with the Bronco driven by 18-year-old Houtzdale resident Jeramiah Krouse on state Route 2001.

Police say the driver of the ATV ran through the stop sign at the intersection with state Route 253. The investigation is continuing.

Phyrst cited for playing music too loudly

The State College bar The Phyrst has been cited by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for playing music so loudly May 20 that it could be heard from outside the establishment, located at 111 and 1111/2 E. Beaver Ave.

The charge will be brought before an administrative law judge who could impose penalties ranging from $50 to $5,000, and can impose a license suspension or revocation, or mandate training.

Parking gate damaged at Pugh garage

State College police are investigating damage to a parking gate at the Pugh Street garage Tuesday afternoon.

Police say a GMC Yukon was seen on surveillance tape striking the gate around 4:50 p.m.

Police are reviewing the tapes for license plate information.

Graffiti found as arts festival begins

State College police are investigating graffiti found Wednesday morning, as the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts got under way with Kids Day.

Four spots of tagging were found along the 500 block of South Pugh Street and the 200 block of East Prospect Avenue.

“It is not uncommon (during) Arts Fest week to have a streak of graffiti like that,” Lt. Keith Robb said.

Police looking for alleged rapist of boy

State police in Philipsburg are asking for the public’s help in finding a 21-year-old Philipsburg man who they say is wanted in the rape of an 11-year-old local boy.

Steven Alexander Hartford was last known to have an address in Gettysburg, state police say, but they have an active warrant for his arrest in connection with a rape that happened between April and July of 2006 in a Philipsburg home.

There was no photo of Hartford available.

He is a white man, police say, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a medium build and blue eyes.

Police say the offense was reported in March 2008, and the boy knew his offender, but the man’s whereabouts are unknown to police.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police Trooper Timothy Stevens at 342- 3370. Tips can also be submitted to Crimestoppers at 877- 992-7463.