SAN DIEGO -- A thief stabbed a man while robbing him on a Harborview-area roadside Wednesday, authorities reported.

The assault in the 2200 block of Pacific Highway occurred about 10:40 a.m. as the two men grappled over the victim's cell phone, according to San Diego police.

Following the attack, the assailant fled to the east up Laurel Street on foot, SDPD spokeswoman Monica Munoz said.

Medics took the victim, who was believed to be 24 years old, to a trauma center for treatment of his stab wounds. His condition was not immediately available.

Patrol officers searched the area for the bandit with airborne help from a police helicopter crew.

The robber was described as a black man of about 30, wearing black jeans and a gray-and-black striped shirt, Munoz said. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and he was carrying a blue-and-black backpack.