Officers with the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) are searching for a suspect involved in a violent robbery early this morning.

Around 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to Rivers Avenue near I-526 following reports of a fight. A second caller reported seeing a man riding a bicycle near I-526 who appeared to be covered in blood.

Responding officers located the victim traveling eastbound on a bicycle with significant blood on his face and clothing. The victim told officers he had been near a Circle K convenience store when an unknown individual attempted to steal his bicycle.

A physical altercation followed, during which the suspect struck the victim multiple times with an unknown object. The victim stated the incident happened quickly, and he was unable to identify what he was hit with. The suspect also stole the victim’s cell phone.

The suspect is described as a male between 45 and 60 years old, wearing a dark-colored hoodie.

Officers searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Anyone with information is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip through the department’s CRIMEWATCH app.