Big Island police are asking for the public’s help in locating a male suspect in connection with an assault that occurred at Keaau Shopping Center.

At about 12:15 p.m. on May 2, a 28-year-old Hilo man was found unresponsive and lying on the ground in the shopping center parking lot with a head injury.

Police said a male suspect allegedly punched the victim, causing the victim to fall and strike his head on the ground.

The suspect was observed fleeing in a silver sedan in the mauka direction of Keaau Village Road.

Police said the 28-year-old man was transported to Hilo Medical Center and later flown to a hospital on Oahu in critical condition.

Police described the suspect to be in his early 20s, about six feet with a medium build. He is further described to have dark-colored eyes and short spiked hair. The suspect was last seen wearing a white shirt and possibly shorts.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 935-3311. or Det. Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or e-mail todd.paratay@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters also may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.