A 57-year-old woman was attacked and robbed of her groceries at a Raley’s store over the weekend, according to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

The robbery was reported on Sunday at the Raley’s near the South Y Center on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, the police department said in a news release.

The woman was walking home toward Tata Lane when a man attacked her behind the grocery store and Alpine Liquor.

The man then threw her on the ground, hit her and stole her groceries and wallet.

Det. Jake Herminghaus said Tuesday that the victim described the suspect as homeless because of his appearance.

He was seen as wearing a black beanie, a black ski mask, a dark jacket, and light-colored pants.

Herminghaus said the area is often occupied by transient residents. He said he didn't know why the woman was robbed of her groceries.

"I don't know if it's related to the food shortage," Herminghaus said Tuesday.

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Authorities said the woman was hospitalized with serious injuries. She’s being cared for in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 530-542- 6100 or Secret Witness at 530-541-6800 with Case No. 2003-1368.

Marcella Corona is a breaking news reporter who covers crime and justice in Northern Nevada. Support her work by subscribing to RGJ.com.