PALO ALTO — Police are investigating a strong-armed robbery in which a man forcibly stole a woman’s purse and necklaces in a parking lot Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

The suspect, who the victim described as being a Hispanic man with a thin build and short black hair, remained at large Friday morning, according to a press release from the Palo Alto Police Department. He was reportedly wearing blue shorts and a blue shirt.

Around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, a woman called to report a robbery, authorities said. When officers arrived on scene, they were unable to locate the suspect.

In the investigation, they found that the victim, a woman in her 40s, had been walking through a parking lot with her toddler when the suspect grabbed her neck from behind, authorities said. He demanded that she hand over her purse, then forcibly took both her purse and her necklaces. The suspect allegedly pushed the victim to the ground before fleeing.

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The incident occurred on the 300 block of Hamilton Avenue, not far from City Hall, authorities added. The victim did not report seeing the suspect have a weapon.

The victim suffered minor injuries and described pain in her knee and neck, police said. The toddler was not physically injured.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information should contact the 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413 or send an anonymous tip via text or voicemail to 650-383-8984. Tips can also be submitted to the TipNow-Palo Alto app.