Police are searching for a man they say assaulted an elderly man in Melrose.

Police say the incident happened on July 15 on Cortlandt Avenue.

The suspect came up behind the 81-year-old victim and punched him once in the face.

The victim suffered pain and bruising as a result.

There was apparently no interaction between the two prior to the attack.

The suspect is described as a man with curly black hair and was last seen wearing a black shirt, black shorts and black and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.