A Mercyhurst College student was assaulted and robbed Tuesday.

The student was attacked from behind at approximately 9:30 p.m. when he was walking on East 38th Street on the sidewalk in front of St. Luke Church, according to Mercyhurst officials.

The suspect, who is described only as a black male, took the student’s wallet, according to Mercyhurst Police and Safety Chief Robert Kuhn.

The student suffered an injury to the head, but he was able to walk to Police and Safety for help. He refused medical treatment, and his mother took him to the Erie Police Department, Kuhn said.

To avoid possible attacks, Kuhn suggests students walk in pairs at night or call Police and Safety for a ride at 824-2304.