NSB cops: Man struck in head with gun during robbery attempt

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A 35-year-old was struck on the head with a gun during a robbery attempt early Friday morning in the 500 block of Brooks Street, police said.

No injury information was released on the victim, Frederick Payne, who lives in the vicinity. A neighbor came to his aid during the 2 a.m. robbery attempt, when the victim was approached by a gunman who demanded his wallet. When the victim refused to hand it over, the gunman struck him in the head with the weapon before running off after the neighbor intervened, New Smyrna Beach police Sgt. Valerie Joyce said.

A search of the area with the help of a police canine unit was unsuccessful. The robber was described as black, about 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds. He was wearing a dark-hooded jacket and dark pants.