Updated 4:35 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021
A former State College police officer is facing criminal charges for an on-duty incident in which he allegedly stole a vape pen that had been turned over to the department, according to a news release from the department on Friday morning.
Chris Tooley is charged with one third-degree misdemeanor count of theft and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to StateCollege.com on Friday afternoon. Tooley was not named in the department press release and the case has not yet appeared in district court dockets.
The vape pen had been turned over to the department to be returned to its owner, but Tooley allegedly took it for his personal use.
State College police requested that Pennsylvania State Police conduct the investigation, which resulted in the charges. The department also notified the district attorney’s office.
According to the release, the department immediately placed the officer on leave upon learning of the alleged offense and conducted a separate internal investigation.
Tooley resigned prior to the conclusion of the internal discipline process.
“The State College Police Department prides itself on our professionalism and integrity and are deeply saddened by the negative impact this event may have on the public’s trust,” a statement from the department said. “We hope that the department’s actions will help restore credibility in The State College Police Department commitment to provide the exemplary police services our community expects.”
State College police said they could not comment further “to avoid any interference or conflict of interest,” and referred questions to the Centre County District Attorney’s Office.
