Oak Harbor police are investigating a strong arm robbery that reportedly occurred on Highway 20 near the intersection of SW Eighth Avenue.

Police Chief Rick Wallace said the department was notified at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, July 19, by Whidbey General Hospital that they were treating an assault victim who stated he had been robbed. The victim said he was walking along Highway 20 when “someone jumped him, punched him and forcefully took money,” according to the police report.

Wallace said the victim was treated and released and left the hospital before investigating officers arrived. He was advised by hospital personnel to contact the police, but he waited until 8:58 a.m. Monday.

“We are working this as a strong arm robbery, but we have some problems with the case because the victim’s story keeps changing,” Wallace said.

The victim’s injuries were reported to be relatively minor, but Wallace said the victim was transported back to the hospital on Sunday because he reportedly “collapsed” on Pioneer Way near Beeksma Drive due to his injuries.

Wallace said the victim was again treated at the hospital and released.

“He told hospital personnel that the incident occurred sometime early Sunday morning between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m.,” Wallace said.

Wallace said police are working to overcome the hurdles in investigating this case.

“We’re treating it as a viable incident and we’ll just go from there,” he said.