CLARION: A violent incident involving at least one member of the PennWest Clarion football team and a 17-year-old male occurred early Sunday, March 16. The altercation, which took place off-campus, was captured on video and has since been widely shared on social media.

The footage depicts several young men attacking the juvenile on South Fifth Avenue in Clarion Township. At one point, a man can be seen pinning the teenager to the ground while repeatedly striking him. Others in the group are shown kicking the juvenile in the head and body. When the victim attempts to stand, he is struck in the head multiple times, causing him to collapse. A police vehicle with flashing lights is visible in the background of the video.

According to a Facebook post from a family member, the teen was stabbed multiple times. While authorities have not officially confirmed the severity of his injuries, an emergency call was placed at approximately 2:23 a.m. regarding a male suffering from multiple lacerations.

Reports indicate that the victim was taken to Clarion Hospital for medical attention. Photos shared on social media display puncture wounds and slash marks on his back and limbs.

Clarion Borough Police Chief Bill Peck confirmed that the incident occurred outside borough limits and directed inquiries to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). A PSP Community Services Officer from the Clarion Barracks stated that a public information report is forthcoming but will not be available until the lead investigator returns for an overnight shift.

Clarion County 9-1-1 officials declined to release details about the police response, citing state regulations.

PennWest Clarion addressed the situation in a statement on Facebook, confirming the altercation happened off-campus. The university stated that they are fully cooperating with PSP and have already identified and suspended a football player in connection with the incident. Further disciplinary action will be pursued through the university's student conduct process.

Additionally, PennWest Clarion President Jon Anderson, Ph.D., issued a letter to faculty, staff, and students, reaffirming the university’s stance against violence. He encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact either University Police or Pennsylvania State Police.