BEAR CREEK TWP. - State police are investigating the possible rape of an 82-year-old woman at the Bear Creek Health Care Center.

Sgt. Richard Krawetz, of the Wyoming Barracks, said on Thursday police are conducting interviews about the alleged assault. Troopers were called to the state Route 115 facility on Monday, Krawetz said.

The incident allegedly happened on a prior date, Krawetz said. He did not specify the date or whether police believe an employee at the facility might have committed the assault.

Dawn Cragle, the center's administrator, said residents have no need to worry about their safety.

"The safety of our residents always comes first," she said. "There is an investigation in progress. . . "

She would not say whether any employees have been fired or suspended as a result of the investigation.

Richard McGarvey, spokesman for the state Department of Health, which governs nursing homes, said the facility contacted the state Thursday to inform officials an abuse case was being investigated.

"They didn't tell us any more," McGarvey said.