Cal student recovers after being beaten unconscious

BERKELEY, Calif. (KTVU) - A student at U.C. Berkeley is recovering Sunday after he was knocked unconscious by three men he claims he didn't know on campus. Police said it happened outside Unit 3 near a residence hall after midnight. A friend of the victim said he is a freshman who lives here at Spens-Black Hall. He was walking home after hanging out with friends when he was attacked.
   
"I just saw there was a guy there surrounded by policemen and he looked pretty bad," and Student Alejandro Gomez.

Outside Spens-Black Hall at U.C. Berkeley, students said they saw a young man lying on the ground. They thought it was because of alcohol poisoning. They had no idea he had been the victim of a brutal assault.

"It's definitely scary since it's close to where we sleep," said Gomez. "It's supposed to be a safe area. I think this is the first time that it's happened."

The 911 call came in just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday. Witnesses reported three men had punched and beat the victim until he was unconscious. Some students said they heard yelling from their dormitory windows. One witness told police a verbal altercation may have occurred prior to the attack.

"I've never seen that happen at this university so I'm hoping it won't be a continuous problem but yea that's pretty shocking," said Student Sayan Ray Chaudhuri.

Police said the victim was taken to the hospital and released early Sunday morning. A friend of the victim said he was badly bruised and hit in the back. The victim told police the attack was unprovoked. Police notified students and staff through email.
   
"I was surprised because I was walking out here last night too so it could have been anyone," said Student Marley Pirochta.

In the campus alert, descriptions for the three men are vague. Two of them are described as Hispanic males. They were last seen walking away on Durant Avenue. It's unclear if the suspects were students

"It's right outside the hall," said Student Phat Nguyen. "It's an open campus so people can come whenever they want so it's little bit scary."

Students said while these assaults are rare, they can't help but be on heightened alert. They said it's a reminder to be aware of their surroundings and to stay in groups when they can.

"You always have to be worried about your safety in this environment especially at night," said Student Marley Pirochta. "You just have to be smart, avoid the confrontations, carry around some pepper spray and don't walk alone."

Police are now reviewing surveillance video for clues and also heightening their visibility in this part of campus. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact University Police at (510) 642-0472.