A State College man faces multiple charges after police say he carried out a series of racially and sexually motivated assaults on Penn State’s campus and CATA buses over the summer and early school semester.

David Park, 27, of State College, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, ethnic intimidation, resisting arrest, harassment, and disorderly conduct in connection with incidents that occurred between July 23 and August 27, according to a criminal complaint filed in Centre County.

July 23: Assault Near Willard Building

On July 23, Penn State University Police responded to a report of harassment near the Willard Building. A Black male student, referred to in court documents as “TK,” told officers that an unknown man approached him from behind, yelled, and pushed him before lunging at him and engaging in a fight.

The student received a minor laceration on his finger, and witnesses told police the attack was unprovoked. CCTV footage later corroborated the student’s account.

Using the footage, the police identified the suspect as David Park. During a later interview, Park told detectives he targeted the student because of his race, admitting, “My enemies are always Black people.” Park also claimed he believed God was telling him to “destroy Black people,” according to the affidavit.

August 24–25: Assaults On CATA Buses

On August 24, State College Police received a report of an assault on a CATA bus from a female Penn State student, identified as “MS.” She told police that Park approached her, gave her his Instagram handle, and repeatedly asked for her contact information. When she refused, Park allegedly grabbed the back of her neck with enough force to cause pain, then ran his hand down her back, attempting to prevent her from escaping.

Police confirmed Park’s identity through Instagram and driver’s license records. In an interview, Park admitted responsibility, telling detectives he was motivated by “lustful” reasons and believed God had promised him offspring through young white women.

The next morning, August 25, another female student, referred to as “LL,” reported that Park grabbed her upper arms while blocking her from exiting a CATA bus. Surveillance footage confirmed the incident, and the student later identified Park through his Instagram photos.

August 27: Bus Incident & Arrest

On August 27, University Police were called to the Pattee and Paterno Library CATA bus stop for an active fight. Officers found Park had allegedly attacked another Black male student, identified as “EO,” striking him in the face and knocking his glasses and phone to the ground.

When officers attempted to take him into custody, Park allegedly struck an officer with his knee, resisted arrest, and challenged officers to fight. He was eventually restrained after a struggle and taken into custody.

During questioning, Park again admitted his actions were racially motivated, repeating that he has a hatred for Black men.

In total, Park faces felony aggravated assault, several counts of misdemeanor simple assault, ethnic intimidation, harassment, resisting arrest, and multiple counts of disorderly conduct.

Police noted that Park had additional interactions with female passengers during the August 27 bus incident, which remain under investigation.

According to the affidavit, Park “poses a clear and immediate threat to public safety” due to his “demonstrated pattern of violent and erratic behavior.”

Court documents show that Park has been unable to post bail. His preliminary hearing is set for September 10, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Steven F. Lachman.