Robber posing as policeman punches victim

SEATTLE -- Police are looking for a man who knocked on a driver's window and identified himself as a police officer shortly before punching the driver in the face and attempting to steal his wallet, Seattle police said.

According to the SPD, the victim was in a parking lot in a rented van around 2 a.m. in the 400 block of Blanchard Street when the suspect approached the door and knocked on the window.  The suspect allegedly shone a flashlight through the windshield, saying "Seattle Police, give me your driver's license and registration."

The victim rolled his window down and the suspect, still posing as an officer, demanded money. The man got out of his vehicle to question the apparent officer and the suspect punched him twice in the face, police said, and grabbed the victim's cell phone. The suspect allegedly demanded money from the victim. The victim managed to run away and call police.

The victim was treated at the scene with minor injuries to his face.

The victim described the suspect as a black male in his late 30s to early 40s with a stocky build and a black beard. He was wearing blue jeans and a hat at the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to call police.