Police opened a criminal investigation after a 21-year-old man was shot in Pearl City early Friday morning and asked for the public’s help in locating the suspect.

Emergency Medical Services said the shooting was reported around 12:38 a.m. near Winner’z Zone, a video arcade on Kamehameha Highway.

Paramedics took the gunshot victim to the hospital in stable condition.

CrimeStoppers said authorities are asking for help in locating the person responsible. The victim was in his car in the parking lot when he was approached by an unknown male and shot with a handgun.

The assailant, who faces second-degree attempted murder charges, fled on foot in an unknown direction. He is described as a man in his 20s, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellphone. Free cellphone calls are provided by AT&T, Nextel Hawaii, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless Hawaii, Mobi PCS and Hawaiian Telcom.

The public also can now send anonymous text and Web tips. Text “CS808” plus the message to 274637 or CRIMES.