The Boston Police Department is seeking help to identify and capture somebody they say got out of a car at Columbia Road and Washington Street in Dorchester with a hammer and, without any provocation, bashed an elderly man in the shin around 1:50 p.m. on Sunday.

The hammer man, described as black, in his 40s, 6 feet tall and 200 lbs., then got back in the car and fled, police say. The victim was taken to a local hospital.

The attacker was photographed with the hammer in front of 108 Columbia Rd., the apartment building directly across Washington from the Burger King.

If he looks familiar, contact detectives at 617-343-4275 or the anonymous tip line by calling 800-494-TIPS or by texting TIP to CRIME (27463).