A driver suspected by the State College Police Department to be under the influence of drugs struck a bicyclist at about 7 a.m. yesterday on West College Avenue.

Matthew Messa was driving a 2001 silver Chevrolet Cavalier in the right-hand lane of West College Avenue. At the intersection with South Burrowes Street, witnesses said they saw Messa swerve within the right lane and collide with Penn State graduate student Jose Palacios, who was riding his bicycle on the right side of the right-hand lane.

Palacios was thrown from his bike, hit the windshield of Messa's car and tumbled to the ground. He complained of pain in his arms and legs and was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center. A nurse supervisor at the medical center said yesterday evening that Palacios was in good condition.

Messa told police that he had just changed lanes when the collision occurred and he did not see Palacios.

According to a police accident report, Messa stumbled and staggered as he walked, swayed while he was standing and had difficulty standing from a seated position. The report also said that Messa seemed confused when police asked him simple questions such as where he lived.

Messa failed field sobriety tests and consented to a blood test at Mount Nittany Medical Center. His blood alcohol content was .01 percent. The police report said the case would remain active pending the results of a drug test.