Police are looking for a man after an east end variety store owner was hit in the face with a gun and robbed in the parking lot.

The attack occurred outside the Big Bear Food Mart on Melvin Avenue between Bernard Street and Blair Avenue, just before 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say the 50-year-old victim had just locked up and was headed to his car when the unknown man approached him.

Acting Staff Sergeant Marco DelConte said the suspect demanded cash. Words were exchanged and the store owner was assaulted.

"He was struck with a handgun in the face," DelConte said, adding that the suspect then swiped the cellphone from the victim's hand and took an undisclosed amount of cash.

He then fled on foot, last seen running south on Bernard. Police searched the area, but came up empty.

They do not believe the two men knew each other. The store owner was not seriously injured.

The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, thin with a medium build. He was wearing a black hoodie and a black jacket.