A man told Boston Police that he was robbed at gunpoint in a Dorchester Ave. parking lot last night by a man whom he just observed trying to steal a woman’s purse nearby. The incident took place on Dec. 12 at about 7 p.m. across from 1432 Dorchester Ave. near Fields Corner.

According to the police report, the victim told police was leaving work at a Dot Ave. market when he saw a man in a hooded sweatshirt attempting to steal a woman’s pocketbook. As he started dialing 9-1-1, the man says the suspect started following him as he walked into the parking lot behind 1432 Dorchester Ave. There, the thief pulled out a large black firearm and grabbed a bag that the victim was carrying, knocking him to the ground.

The suspect —described as a black male, about 20 years-old, six foot, and 180 pounds— was last seen fleeing towards Leonard Street. Police searched the area but did not find the suspect. It is not clear from the police report if the gunman also successfully stole the woman’s purse.

Boston Police say there has been an increase in street robberies in recent weeks, including armed robberies along the Dorchester Ave. corridor.