SAN DIEGO -- A 27-year-old man sitting in his car was briefly kidnapped by a man who pointed a handgun to the back of his head and ordered him to drive around Serra Mesa, before releasing him, police said Tuesday.

The victim was parked in a shopping center lot in the 3300 block of Murphy Canyon Road around 11:30 p.m. Monday when the gunman approached, according to San Diego police Sgt. Bob Dare.

The suspect pointed his weapon at the victim and demanded he unlock his car doors, Dare said, adding the victim complied and the suspect got into the backseat.

While holding the gun to the back of the victim's head, the suspect ordered the victim to drive around the immediate area, Dare said.

When the robber demanded cash and the victim said he didn't have any, the suspect had the victim return to the shopping center, according to Dare.

The robber then took the victim's cell phone before getting out of the car and running away, the sergeant said.

Police described the gunman as black, in his 20s, with a thin build. He wore a dark colored hat and clothing, and a multi-colored scarf over his face.