A 28-year-old Hilo man was critically injured after an unidentified man punched him Tuesday afternoon in the Keaau shopping center, Hawaii County police said.

Police said the suspect punched the victim, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center after the 12:15 p.m. incident, then flown to Honolulu in critical condition for treatment.

Police said the suspect fled on foot before getting into a silver-colored import sedan. The vehicle was last seen traveling in the Volcano direction on Old Volcano Road.

Police are looking for the suspect, who witnesses describe as a large man in his mid-20s or early 30s, about 6 feet tall, weighing about 250 to 300 pounds, with black, medium-length “spiked” hair. He was seen wearing blue jeans and a white or blue shirt with a Volcom logo.

Witnesses are urged to call Detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or todd.pataray@hawaiicounty.gov.

Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.