Sheetz in State College area reopens after heavy police presence due to ‘medical emergency’

A Sheetz in the State College area closed for more than two hours Thursday morning after police said a man had a “medical emergency,” sparking some initial confusion and concern.

Few details were immediately available at the scene. According to Patton Township police Chief Tyler Jolley, first responders were called to the Sheetz location at 101 Valley Vista Drive shortly after 7 a.m. due to a “medical emergency.” But police declined to elaborate or reveal the person’s condition, adding only that the man was taken by ambulance to Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers told the Centre Daily Times his office responded to Sheetz for an “isolated incident.” He said there was no threat to the public, but declined to provide other details.

Sheetz declined to comment on the incident itself. However, a Sheetz spokesperson confirmed that affected employees were being offered mental health support and resources.

Because the Sheetz was closed until about 9:40 a.m., with police tape placed around the location, some parents on social media voiced concerns about their schoolchildren. Later Thursday morning, State College Area School District issued a letter to parents to let them know both the school and students were safe.

“As some of you are aware, there was an incident at the Valley Vista Sheetz this morning that required a heavy presence of first responders,” the letter read from Nabil Mark, SCASD’s media and communications manager. “We have been in direct contact with the Patton Township Police Department, who has assured us that there is no danger to any of our schools and all of our students are safe.”

The Sheetz is located within Patton Township. Both Ferguson Township police and Centre LifeLink EMS also assisted at the scene.

This story was originally published January 30, 2025 at 10:47 AM.