Police are searching for a suspect in connection to a robbery and assault that occurred inside a Fulton Street variety store on Friday.

Authorities say an employee noticed a woman trying to hide merchandise inside of her coat and leave the store without paying. When he confronted her, she hit him in the face, knocked him to the ground and fled the store.

The employee is currently recovering in the hospital, according to police.

Authorities say the suspect was last seen wearing a black face mask, black jacket with a red hood, gray pants and black and white sneakers.