St. Paul police are asking for help in finding a suspect who robbed an elderly good Samaritan on Thursday night, breaking the man's leg and wrist in the process.

The suspect approached the 76-year-old victim at a SuperAmerica gas station in St. Paul and said he was new in town and had no money, Sgt. Mike Ernster said.

The suspect asked the victim for a ride, and the victim obliged. About five blocks later, the suspect directed the victim to pull over and drop him off.

The suspect said he couldn't open his door, so the victim got out and opened it from the outside of the vehicle.

"Once he opened the door, he was suddenly attacked from behind by the suspect," Ernster said.

The suspect knocked the victim down with his hands and ripped off the man's jacket, which contained his wallet and cellphone.

Dennis McGrath, Star Tribune
Police are looking for this man, who is suspected of attacking an elderly man Thursday night.

The victim, who was found lying in the middle of the street, broke his leg and wrist, Ernster said.

The attack occurred about 10:40 p.m. at the intersection of Milton Street and Lafond Avenue.

The suspect fled on foot. He is described as a black male about 5-foot-8, 30 to 35 years old, with a slim build. He was wearing a red stocking cap, red pants and a black jacket with a gray hood. He took the victim's jacket, which has "Kodak" written on it.

Authorities also released surveillance stills of the suspect captured at the gas station.

Ernster cautioned drivers not to pick up people they don't know.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call police at 651-291-1111.