LAPLACE — Authorities are searching for three suspects after investigators say they robbed and beat a man Wednesday night while he was on his way to work.

The victim described one of the assailants as wearing a black shirt and black shorts, according to a media release from St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre.

Sgt. Dane Clement said deputies describe the assailants as male, two with dark complexions and one with a light complexion. One is described as having an Afro, while the other two have short hair.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies began their investigation at 9:50 p.m. Wednesday following an armed robbery report in the 500 block of West Fifth Street in LaPlace.

The 21-year-old victim told deputies three men approached him from behind and put a gun to his back as he walked to work.

After one of the assailants punched the victim in the face, they pushed him to the ground and held him down, Tregre said. The victim’s wallet and cell phone were stolen.

At this time deputies are unaware if it was a crime of opportunity or if the victim was targeted. The amount of money stolen and the place of work of the victim are not being disclosed.

For unknown reasons the victim did not want medical attention for his injuries.

“When the victim was offered emergency medial services, he refused,” Clement said.

Anyone with information regarding the robbery is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Residents do not have to testify in court and may qualify for a cash reward. They can also submit tips at http://stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.

— By Raquel Derganz Baker