Suffolk Police are searching for a suspect in the attempted robbery and assault of a local pastor.

Just after 5 p.m. Tuesday, the pastor of Providence United Methodist Church, in the 3100 block of Providence Road, was in her church when a white man knocked on the door. The man told the pastor he “needed food and money and had a sick wife,” city spokeswoman Debbie George said.

The pastor let the man in the building and led him to the kitchen to get food. However, the man then said he just needed money and struck her in the head with a wooden object. The man then fled the church and left in a small black vehicle. The pastor was not seriously injured, George said.

The suspect is described as a white male, 20-30 years of age, with blond hair.

Investigators prepared a composite of the suspect, and are hoping someone can identify him. Anyone who can identify the suspect or has more information should call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Callers to Crime Line never have to give their names or appear in court, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.