Man injured in Freeport machete robbery

A 35-year-old man was robbed inside a Freeport delicatessen by a man who then attacked him with a machete Sunday evening, police said.

The victim, whose identity was not released, suffered a 4-inch cut to his forehead after being struck by the machete, Nassau County police said. The victim managed to flee the store after being attacked -- and police said he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Police are searching for the attacker, believed to be a homeless man who goes by the street name "Zapote." Zapote -- or sapote -- is the name of an exotic tropical fruit.

Police said the attack occurred inside the Sunrise Deli on Sunrise Highway in Freeport at about 6:15 p.m. Sunday.

They said the victim was inside the deli when the man approached him, demanded money, and reached into the victim's pocket -- removing $350 in cash. Police said the attacker then "withdrew a machete from his pants, swung it at the victim and struck him in the face."

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the attack to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential, police said.