Penn State wrestler faces charges after allegedly fleeing police, refusing to leave frat
An All-American Penn State wrestler is facing multiple charges after police say he refused to leave the property of a local fraternity house in late March before running from an officer and resisting arrest while visibly intoxicated.
Braeden Davis, 20, had a blood alcohol content of .225, nearly triple the adult legal limit of .08, according to tests later taken at Mount Nittany Medical Center and referenced in the criminal complaint. Davis’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on May 21, before District Judge Donald M. Hahn.
The incident involving Davis reportedly occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, less than a week after Penn State wrestling won its fourth straight national championship where Davis finished fifth nationally at 133 pounds.
“We are aware of the charges against Braeden Davis,” a statement from Penn State Athletics read. “These alleged actions do not reflect the values and standards of our program and will be addressed. We will not comment any further as this is an ongoing legal matter.”
According to the criminal complaint, State College police were called to the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity house (346 E. Prospect Ave.) on March 29 because two men — one of whom was Davis; the other was unidentified in the complaint — were asked to leave the property at least twice but refused. When the first police officer arrived, he found the two men arguing with private security.
When borough police approached Davis and he was informed he could not go until he had been identified, Davis took off running — and an officer caught up to him in about 10 yards, per the complaint.
Police said Davis attempted to wrestle free while an officer told him to, “Stop resisting.” After two more officers arrived, police said Davis then complied. According to the officer who tussled with Davis, the officer’s wristwatch and radio earpiece were broken. His body-worn camera was also ripped off its mount and lying on the nearby ground, but was still recording, per the complaint.
State College police then transported Davis to the station, where he received a preliminary breath test, which tested positive for alcohol. Centre LifeLink Emergency Medical Services then evaluated Davis and transported him to the hospital “as a result of an alcohol overdose,” according to the complaint.
Davis is facing five charges, including resisting arrest; evading arrest or detention on foot; criminal trespass; purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of alcohol while under 21; and public drunkenness. No offense rises above a second-degree misdemeanor.
The wrestler is a rising junior. He won four Michigan state championships in high school, before winning the Big Ten title (125 pounds) as a college freshman and earning All-America honors (133) as a sophomore.
