Erie Police informed Mercyhurst University officials of an alleged armed robbery near the east side of campus early Thursday, Oct. 4.

At approximately 1 a.m. two Penn State Behrend students were confronted by a hooded gunman demanding money, while walking to their Perry Street residence. The one victim attempted to intervene and was hit on the side of the face with the weapon.

The commotion of the incident caused people to surface the area and the suspect to flee the scene toward Mercyhurst campus.

Police describe the suspect as a 5’10” white male who was wearing a dark sweat shirt with most of his face covered.

The victims were returning from the Cornerstone Bar & Grill at the time of the incident.

Mercyhurst University Chief of Police Robert Kuhn is urging students to use extreme caution when out at night, especially until the suspect is apprehended.