On Wednesday, Feb. 3, a University professor was attacked by three men about a mile from campus on Walnut St., The Middletown Press reported last Friday.

The professor, who walks from his home to campus, was approached by three men at 8:30 p.m. According to the police, the professor crossed the street to avoid encountering the men. The men approached him and one struck him on the back of the head. He began to dial 911 on his cell phone and the men ran.

According to Detective Bill Mudano of the Middletown Police Department, who was called to the scene that night, three suspects were found and one was arrested. He declined to comment further.

Christian Ortega, 20, who the professor identified as the man who struck him, appeared in court yesterday and pled not guilty to charges of second-degree breach of peace and third-degree assault. He is currently on probation from previous charges. His bond is set at $5,000 for this case and his next court date is scheduled for Feb. 25.