KEY POINTS:
Police are searching for a man who bashed a 76-year-old who stopped to give him a lift and then stole the victim's car.
The attacker also stole the elderly man's wallet and watch before fleeing in his 2003 grey Toyota Corolla sedan.
The incident happened on Sunday afternoon in Greerton in Tauranga and police were still searching for the suspect and the stolen vehicle last night.
They said the incident had come "out of the blue" and they were concerned at the level of violence used against the elderly victim.
The 76-year-old received injuries to the arm and head, and was taken to Tauranga Hospital for observation.
He was not required to stay overnight and was back at home yesterday but did not want to comment on his ordeal.
"He's still in a state of shock," his wife said.
The victim stopped to give the suspect a lift at the intersection of Oropi and Wood Rds at about 3pm on Sunday.
Constable Dan Elliott of Greerton police said the victim did not know the suspect but saw him standing on the side of the road.
"He's pulled over with the intention of giving him a ride and it's just gone to chaos from there," Mr Elliott said.
He said the 76-year-old was then pulled out of the car and assaulted by the suspect, leaving visible injuries to his arm and head.
The victim could not remember if the suspect had his hand out to hitch-hike but he had stopped out of habit.
"He just said that he's given hitch-hikers a ride before and he was comfortable giving people rides if they needed it," Mr Elliott said.
The suspect was described as a Maori in his 30s, of medium to solid build, and about 180cm tall.
He was wearing dark clothing and carrying a purple backpack.
Greerton police were not aware of any similar incidents.
Mr Elliott appealed for any sightings of the suspect or the stolen car - registration BSM256 - and asked anyone with information to contact Greerton police on (07) 578-3460.
