By Matthew Spolar

A Penn State student was hit by a vehicle while crossing South Atherton St. at West Beaver Ave. last night, prompting a State College police investigation into who may have furnished alcohol to the victim.

According to the accident report, 19-year-old Noorulain Khawaja (sophomore - communications) was struck in the crosswalk by graduate student Deniz Ersoz, 27, who was traveling south on Atherton St. in a 1997 Subaru Impreza.

Khawaja's friend, Casey Cervenak (sophomore - communications), told police, who responded to the scene at 11:48 p.m., that she and Khawaja were crossing the street while given a "Do Not Walk" signal.

Ersoz, 445 Waupelani Dr., told police he was traveling at about 25-30 mph when he switched into the right hand lane while approaching the intersection, where he was being given a green light. He attempted to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting the group of girls crossing the street, according to the report.

Khawaja, 225 E. Beaver Ave., was struck by the hood of the vehicle and hit her head while falling into the crosswalk, according to police.

Police said they detected a strong odor of alcohol on both Khawaja and Cervenak, and said both had bloodshot and glassy eyes. Cervenak told police Khawaja had "a few mixed drinks earlier in the night."

Ersoz was not under the influence of alcohol while driving, according to the report.

Police said Khawaja was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center, where she received "a couple staples" in her head and was released. Khawaja refused comment yesterday at the police station but appeared to be walking on her own.