The 57-year-old man had just cashed his paycheck and was planning on Christmas shopping, according to Laura Wohl, spokesperson for the Olympia Police Department.
The Lacey man was attacked after getting out of his van on the east side of the mall.
"The man [victim] didn't see the suspect," Wohl said. "The man [suspect] came up from behind and slammed him against his car."
The suspect slammed the Lacey man's head into the van three times and demanded the man give him the cash, Wohl said.
The Lacey man handed over the money and the suspect ran off, Wohl said.
Olympia police officers used a police dog to search the area, but the suspect was not found.
There is no description of the suspect available. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to call the Olympia Police Department at 360-753-8300.
