Big Island police detectives are investigating a reported home invasion robbery in Hilo.

A 59-year-old Hilo man told police that a masked man with a gun entered his Kino'ole Street home Thursday through the back door.

The intruder ordered the man to secure a dog that was running loose. After the man secured the dog in a portable kennel, he was struck on the head and lost consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, he discovered that he had been bound with duct tape on his mouth, wrist and lower legs.

The robber made off with an undetermined amount of cash.

The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

The robber is described as thin, about 160 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark long-sleeved shirt with a dark nylon stocking over his face and a dark stocking cap. He spoke in pidgin. The firearm was described as a silver pistol.

Police ask that anyone with information call Lt. Mitchell Kanehailua at 961-2252 or the police department's non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.