Police in Hermitage are investigating alleged threats made to the Buhl Regional Health Foundation in light of the recent closure of Sharon Regional Medical Center.

According to a statement from Hermitage Deputy Police Chief Joel Ristvey, these threats came following recent coverage of Buhl Regional Health Foundation declining Meadville Medical Center's (MMC's) request for $45 million to purchase Sharon Regional and keep it operational.

The foundation described that request as "exorbitant" and "unsubstantiated."

At a meeting, MMC had asked for a $25 million grant instead, but the foundation said its best offer would be an $11 million loan that the community would match.

MMC rescinded its offer to purchase the hospital following that meeting.

Deputy Chief Ristvey says police are still in the early stages of the investigation into the threats and are not releasing further information at this time.

The exact nature of these threats and how they were received is unclear at this time.