Witnesses: PSU Student Found Unconscious Was Assaulted

UPDATED @ 9:27 a.m. Wednesday: A Daily Collegian report today indicates that the student has regained consciousness. The Collegian’s report is posted online here.

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UPDATED @ 7:45 a.m. Wednesday: As of Tuesday afternoon, the student found unconscious Saturday morning in State College remained hospitalized and unconscious, borough police said.

Witnesses who’ve stepped forward to say the student, 21, was assaulted did not immediately report the incident because they did not initially realize its severity, police said. Later news-media reports prompted them to contact the police department, according to a police account.

There’s no indication that the incident is tied to two assaults reported early Saturday on Highland Avenue, police said. The Highland Avenue assaults happened about an hour earlier, according to police reports.

Police have reminded residents to dial 911 if they witness physical altercations, even if the altercations do not immediately appear serious.

Earlier coverage is posted below.

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Earlier report, posted @ 11:17 a.m. Tuesday:

The Penn State student found unconscious Saturday morning in downtown State College was assaulted about 2:20 a.m. that day, two witnesses have told police.

A passer-by discovered the 21-year-old student about 7:30 a.m. Saturday in an exterior stairwell at the Glennland Building, 205 E. Beaver Ave., according to earlier police reports. But it was initially unclear whether the student had been assaulted or had taken an accidental fall.

Now, police reported Tuesday morning, two witnesses have stepped forward. The witnesses said the student was assaulted by two or three ‘larger’ white men in front of 205 E. Beaver Ave., according to police.

One of the assailants was said to be tall and to be wearing a white shirt at the time of the attack, according to a news release. ‘A woman with brown hair was also present with the assailants when they attacked the victim,’ it reads.

Police are asking anyone with additional information to call Detective Bosak of the State College police; he can be reached at (814) 234-7150. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the borough website.

As of Monday afternoon, the victim in the case was still unconscious, having suffered severe head trauma, police said. A link to coverage is posted below.

Earlier coverage

• Student Found Unconscious in State College (April 25, 2011)